What the study found
The study found that Japanese university students felt less discomfort when giving and receiving peer feedback from classmates they were close to. It also found that anonymity did not reduce discomfort, and that the feedback exchanged was similar across closeness and anonymity conditions.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the study eases concerns that closeness or anonymity changes the quality of peer feedback in the EFL classroom, where EFL means English as a foreign language. They also suggest that close peer relationships may be associated with the least discomfort during the feedback process.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined L1 peer feedback, meaning feedback given in the students’ first language, in an L2 English classroom, where L2 means a second language. Each participant was paired with three classmates: one with whom they were mutually close, one with whom they were mutually distant, and one whose identity was unknown.
What worked and what didn't
Lower discomfort was reported in the close-relationship condition. Anonymity did not reduce discomfort. The learners exchanged similar praise and critique regardless of whether they were close, distant, or anonymous.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe limitations beyond noting that the findings come from Japanese university students in an English classroom. The summary provided does not include details about sample size, measurement instruments, or broader applicability.
Key points
- Close peer relationships were linked to lower discomfort during feedback.
- Anonymity did not reduce discomfort in the peer feedback process.
- Feedback quality was similar across close, distant, and anonymous pairings.
- The study looked at L1 peer feedback in an L2 English classroom.
- The participants were Japanese university students paired with classmates of different relationship types.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Closeness lowered discomfort in peer feedback, but anonymity did not
- Authors:
- Stachus Peter Tu
- Institutions:
- Shimane University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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