The Impact of Low-Ability Peers on Cognitive and Noncognitive Outcomes: Random Assignment Evidence on the Effects and Operating Channels

Di Xu, Qing Zhang and Xuehan Zhou

Journal of Human Resources, 2022, vol. 57, issue 2, 555-596

Abstract: This article presents new experimental estimates of the impact of low-ability peers on own outcomes using nationally representative data from China. We exploit the random assignment of students to junior high school classrooms and find that the proportion of low-ability peers, defined as having been retained during primary school (“repeaters”), has negative effects on nonrepeaters’ cognitive and noncognitive outcomes. An exploration of the mechanisms shows that a larger proportion of repeater peers is associated with reduced after-school study time. The negative effects are driven by male repeaters and are more pronounced among students with less strict parental monitoring at home.

JEL-codes: D62 I21 I28 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
Note: DOI: 10.3368/jhr.57.2.0718-9637R2
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:57:y:2022:i:2:p:555-596

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