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Identification of Causal Education Effects Using a Discontinuity in School Entry Tests: First Results from a Pilot Study

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Boes
  • Dominik Hangartner
  • Lukas Schmid

Abstract

We use a credible regression discontinuity design to estimate causal education effects. Pupils in the Swiss education system had to pass a centrally organized exam that classified them into different levels of secondary school, and that ultimately determined their educational degree. A major feature of this exam was the local randomization around the classification threshold due to the impossibility of strategic sorting. Our preliminary results suggest large and significant effects on earnings, political interest, and attitudes toward immigrants. The extension to a wider set of data is part of ongoing research.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Boes & Dominik Hangartner & Lukas Schmid, 2011. "Identification of Causal Education Effects Using a Discontinuity in School Entry Tests: First Results from a Pilot Study," Diskussionsschriften dp1103, Universitaet Bern, Departement Volkswirtschaft.
    • Handle: RePEc:ube:dpvwib:dp1103
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Returns to education; causality; endogeneity; regression discontinuity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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