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The effect of SMS nudges on higher education performance

Author

Listed:
  • Alicia Brandt

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Hamid R. Oskorouchi

    (University of Hohenheim
    IZA)

  • Alfonso Sousa-Poza

    (University of Hohenheim
    IZA)

Abstract

Driven by higher education’s challenges in maintaining student motivation and achievement during the recent pandemic-induced shift to online learning, we investigate the effectiveness of text messages as a nudging tool to increase academic performance. To do so, we use a nonplacebo randomized controlled trial in which the treatment group directly receives SMS texts that review lecture content and give deadline reminders, while the control group only has access to the same information on the course page. Our findings suggest that the reception of motivating SMS messages per se, rather than the content review, has a positive effect on examination outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Alicia Brandt & Hamid R. Oskorouchi & Alfonso Sousa-Poza, 2024. "The effect of SMS nudges on higher education performance," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 66(5), pages 2311-2334, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:66:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1007_s00181-023-02516-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-023-02516-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ben O. Smith & Dustin R. White & Patricia C. Kuzyk & James E. Tierney, 2018. "Improved grade outcomes with an e-mailed “grade nudge”," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(1), pages 1-7, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nudging; Text messaging; Teaching;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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