Computer Gaming and Test Scores: Cross-Country Gender Differences among Teenagers

Yann Algan and Nicole M. Fortin ()
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Nicole M. Fortin: University of British Columbia, Vancouver

No 10433, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Using the PISA surveys (2000-2012), this paper explores the relationship between math test scores and everyday computer gaming by gender and for high income and middle income countries. We use two identification strategies in the spirit of an ideal experiment that would reduce computer gaming through limited internet access or through schools alternative demands. We find that everyday computer gaming has positive effects for boys, but negative effects for girls arising mostly in collaborative games suggesting a role for social effects. Computer gaming is becoming the new "swimming upstream" factor in the quest to close the gender gap in math.

Keywords: math test scores; computer gaming; internet access; gender differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I2 J16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 63 pages
Date: 2016-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-gen
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