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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Eye-tracking Technology and Data-mining Techniques used for a Behavioral Analysis of Adults engaged in Learning Processes

Eye-tracking Technology and Data-mining Techniques used for a Behavioral Analysis of Adults engaged in Learning Processes

Published on: June 10, 2021

The Relative Age Effects in Educational Development: A Systematic Review.

Alar Urruticoechea¹, Andrés Oliveri², Elena Vernazza³

¹Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

|September 10, 2021

Summary

Younger students in the same class may face disadvantages. This relative age effect impacts cognitive, motor, and social development, alongside higher repetition rates.

Keywords:

age differences developmental differences education educational process systematic review

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Published on: February 14, 2014

Area of Science:

Child Development
Educational Psychology
Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

Numerous factors influence student development, yet the impact of relative age is under-researched.
The relative age effect (RAE) refers to the influence of birthdate on an individual's opportunities and outcomes within a specific age cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review and synthesize recent research on the effects of relative age on child development.
To identify common findings and trends in the literature regarding RAE in educational settings.

Main Methods:

A systematic literature review adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
Analysis of 21 articles utilizing data from 24 countries and 32 distinct assessments.

Main Results:

Relatively younger children in the same class groups demonstrated significantly lower mean scores in cognitive and motor assessments.
Younger children exhibited higher rates of grade repetition.
A diminished capacity for socialization was observed in relatively younger students.

Conclusions:

The relative age effect significantly influences cognitive, motor, and social development in children within educational settings.
Findings suggest a need to acknowledge and address RAE to ensure equitable development.
Adaptations in educational practices are proposed to mitigate the negative effects of relative age on child development.