How top performers propel others toward greatness

Forthcoming research co-authored by Professor Nathan Yang demonstrates how participants in a national diet program lost more weight when someone in their group was a standout, suggesting that exceptional performers can motivate others to reach new heights.

The results have a broad application. For instance, they are relevant to classroom settings, where students are often provided with a median grade on their transcripts alongside their own grades. The data suggest that sharing the top score in the class instead might boost overall grades.

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