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Gender Differences in Math Tests: the Role of Time Pressure

Author

Listed:
  • Vincenzo Galasso
  • Paola Profeta

Abstract

We investigate the role of time pressure in generating gender gaps in math tests. In a randomised experiment, college students took a twenty-question math test under high, low or no time pressure. Reducing or eliminating time pressure decreases the math gender gap by up to 40%. Larger gaps under time pressure are mostly due to increased anxiety rather than to students modifying their test-taking strategies. The correlation between math test scores and university performance is equally high under the different scenarios. Hence, less time pressure may increase gender equality in math subjects with no effect on the selection process.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Galasso & Paola Profeta, 2024. "Gender Differences in Math Tests: the Role of Time Pressure," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 134(664), pages 3461-3475.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:econjl:v:134:y:2024:i:664:p:3461-3475.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ej/ueae052
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    Cited by:

    1. Abrahams, Scott, 2026. "Gender differences in choosing fast and slow: Evidence from competitive powerlifting," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    2. Oliver Cassagneau-Francis & Lindsey Macmillan & Richard Murphy & Gill Wyness, 2026. "Measuring systematic gaps in teacher judgement: A new approach," CEP Discussion Papers dp2178, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    3. Oliver Cassagneau-Francis & Lindsey Macmillan & Richard Murphy & Gill Wyness, 2025. "Measuring systematic gaps in teacher judgement: A new approach," CEPEO Working Paper Series 25-12, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities, revised Jul 2026.
    4. Chuan Chen & Michele Fioretti & Junnan He & Yanrong Jia, 2025. "Getting There and Getting In: How Mobility and Sorting Keep Women out of Top Startup Accelerators," Papers 2502.14984, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2026.
    5. Silvia Griselda & Paola Profeta & Giulia Savio, 2026. "Peer Gender Composition and University Climate," CESifo Working Paper Series 12523, CESifo.
    6. Michele Bernasconi & Irene Maria Buso & Anna Marenzi & Dino Rizzi, 2025. "Tax Notches in the Lab: Disentangling Real and Evasion Responses," Working Papers 2025: 15, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".

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