The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance

Ralph Stinebrickner, Berea College
Todd R. Stinebrickner, University of Western Ontario

Recipient of the Arrow Prize in Economic Analysis & Policy

A BEJEAP Frontiers article.

Abstract

While a substantial amount of recent attention has been paid to understanding the determinants of educational outcomes, little is known about the causal impact of the most fundamental input in the education production function - a student's study effort. In this paper, we examine the causal effect of studying on grade performance by taking advantage of unique, new data that has been collected specifically for this purpose. Important for understanding the potential impact of a wide array of education policies, the results suggest that human capital accumulation is far from predetermined at the time of college entrance.

Submitted: August 15, 2007 · Accepted: May 20, 2008 · Published: June 17, 2008

Recommended Citation

Stinebrickner, Ralph and Stinebrickner, Todd R. (2008) "The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy: Vol. 8 : Iss. 1 (Frontiers), Article 14.
DOI: 10.2202/1935-1682.1868
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/bejeap/vol8/iss1/art14

 
 
 
 

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