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Does Teaching Children How to Play Cognitively Demanding Games Improve Their Educational Attainment?: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Chess Instruction in England

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  • John Jerrim
  • Lindsey Macmillan
  • John Micklewright
  • Mary Sawtell
  • Meg Wiggins

Abstract

A number of studies suggest that teaching children how to play chess may have an impact on their educational attainment. Yet the strength of this evidence is undermined by limitations with research design. This paper attempts to overcome these limitations by presenting evidence from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving more than 4,000 children in England. In contrast to much of the existing literature, we find no evidence of an effect of chess instruction on children’s mathematics, reading, or science test scores. Our results provide a timely reminder of the need for social scientists to employ robust research designs.

Suggested Citation

  • John Jerrim & Lindsey Macmillan & John Micklewright & Mary Sawtell & Meg Wiggins, 2018. "Does Teaching Children How to Play Cognitively Demanding Games Improve Their Educational Attainment?: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Chess Instruction in England," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 53(4), pages 993-1021.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:53:y:2018:i:4:p:993-1021
    Note: DOI: 10.3368/jhr.53.4.0516-7952R
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/53/4/993
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    Cited by:

    1. David Forrest & J. D. Tena & Carlos Varela-Quintana, 2023. "The influence of schooling on performance in chess and at the Olympics," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 64(2), pages 959-982, February.
    2. Islam, Asad & Lee, Wang-Sheng & Nicholas, Aaron, 2021. "The Effects of Chess Instruction on Academic and Non-cognitive Outcomes: Field Experimental Evidence from a Developing Country," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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