When people expect rapid feedback on their work, they do better, but expect the worst. That is the result of a recent study by PhD student Keri Kettle of the University of Alberta. "The shorter you have to wait, the closer and more tangible is the possibility of disappointment," said the Alberta School of Business student. "Potential disappointment is a powerful motivator. To avoid it, you lower your expectations and focus on performing better." Over 200 students participated in the study, some being told they would be getting feedback within the week, and the other group being told the feedback would take about a month. The students with the rapidly approaching mark scored better on the same task, yet they were more pessimistic about how well they did."When the possibility of disappointment is more imminent, you're more motivated to avoid it," Kettle found, "You do everything in your power to avoid disappointment, so you lower your expectations and raise your performance." Perhaps having faster marking on student projects could globally improve marks here at SMU. Kettle stated that this also has high bearing for those in supervisory roles: “It is important I give feedback right away irrespective of the content of the feedback...in order to get the best performance.”