Knowledge into Practice: Exploring fairness configurations for objective behavior in peer assessment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research uses fuzzy set/Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to explore the role of perceived fairness in promoting objective behavior in peer assessment. Drawing on three key antecedents - outcome fairness, anonymity, and explanation - the paper presents multiple combinations of antecedents that lead to high levels of perceived fairness among students. Contrary to the proposition that all fairness factors must be high, the findings reveal that perceived fairness can be achieved when any two of the three antecedents are present at high levels. Specifically, three effective combinations emerge: (1) high outcome fairness with high anonymity and low explanation, (2) high outcome fairness with low anonymity and high explanation, and (3) low outcome fairness with high anonymity and high explanation. These results underscore the compensatory nature of fairness perceptions and offer practical implications for educators and administrators designing peer assessment systems. By ensuring at least two fairness dimensions are adequately addressed, institutions can foster more reliable and ethical peer evaluations. The paper contributes to the literature on peer assessment by highlighting the configurational logic of fairness and its practical utility in educational contexts.
Author: Duen-Huang Huang
Institution: Chaoyang University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,200
Funder: Ministry of Education
Award: G5152128936
OpenAlex ID: W7077070367
