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Does prior knowledge of economics and higher level mathematics improve student learning in principles of economics?

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  • Mallik, Girijasankar
  • Shankar, Sriram

Abstract

Using the instrumental variable two stage least square (IV2SLS) and generalised method of moments (IVGMM) estimations, this paper investigates the relative importance of a wide range of variables on student performance in multiple choice and short answer questions in a first year principles of economics (PE) subject. The multi-year data set provides detailed demographic and performance characteristics of 2186 students enrolled in a major multi-campus university. Results from IVGMM and IV2SLS estimation indicate that higher levels of mathematics and economics taken prior to university are associated with significantly improved student performance in PE. Results also indicate that prior economics knowledge has more influence than prior mathematics knowledge on student performance in PE. Students with better understanding of mathematics perform significantly better in multiple choice questions. On the other hand, prior mathematics knowledge does not significantly affect the marks in short answer questions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mallik, Girijasankar & Shankar, Sriram, 2016. "Does prior knowledge of economics and higher level mathematics improve student learning in principles of economics?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 66-73.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:49:y:2016:i:c:p:66-73
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2015.12.001
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    Cited by:

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    6. Stefan Buechele, 2018. "Bridging the Gap - how Effective are Remedial Math Courses in Germany?," MAGKS Papers on Economics 201825, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    7. Zhao, Congyu & Dong, Kangyin & Jiang, Hong-Dian & Wang, Kun & Dong, Xiucheng, 2023. "How does energy poverty eradication realize the path to carbon unlocking? The case of China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    8. Alauddin, Mohammad & Ashman, Adrian & Nghiem, Son & Lovell, Knox, 2016. "What determines students’ study practices in higher education? An instrumental variable approach," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 46-54.
    9. Stefan Buechele, 2019. "Should We Trust Math Preparatory Courses? An Empirical Analysis on the Impact of Students' Participation and Attendance on Short- and Medium-Term Effects," MAGKS Papers on Economics 201927, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    10. Bizon, Wojciech, 2018. "“Tell them it's easy”: Framing incentives in learning basic statistical problems," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 76-81.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Principles of economics; Learning; Mathematics; 2SLS and GMM;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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