Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Cognitive Performance: New Evidence from China’s College English Test

Zhenyu Yao, Wei Zhang, Xinde Ji and Weizhe Weng
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Zhenyu Yao: Shenzhen MSU-BIT University

Environmental & Resource Economics, 2023, vol. 85, issue 1, No 8, 237 pages

Abstract: Abstract This paper investigates the impact of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance in a high-stakes exam: China’s College English Test (CET). We match exams taken from 2013 to 2017 at 22 universities across China with hourly air pollution measures from the nearest monitoring stations. Identification leverages a student fixed effects model, which alleviates the concern of omitted variables, such as students’ ability. Our estimates indicate a statistically significant negative impact of fine particulate matters (PM $$_{2.5}$$ 2.5 ) exposure during exam windows on cognitive performance. By focusing on a single language exam, instead of comparing performance across different test subjects, we are able to paint a more accurate picture of the cognitive impact of air pollution. We highlight the importance of short-term air pollution exposure for high-stakes cognitive performance. Our results suggest that temporary defensive measures could be important in mitigating the negative consequences of air pollution.

Keywords: China; Fine particulate matter; Cognitive performance; College English Test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C23 I23 Q53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10640-023-00765-7

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