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Estimating the production function for human capital: results from a randomized controlled trial in Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Orazio Attanasio

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Yale University)

  • Sarah Cattan

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Emla Fitzsimons

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University College London)

  • Costas Meghir

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Yale University)

  • Marta Rubio Codina

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

We examine the channels through which a randomized early childhood intervention in Colombia led to signi?cant gains in cognitive and socio-emotional skills among a sample of disavantaged children aged 12 to 24 months at baseline. We estimate the determinants of parents’ material and time investments in these children and evaluate the impact of the treatment on such investments. We then estimate the production functions for cognitive and socio-emotional skills. The effects of the program can be explained by increases in parental investments, emphasizing the importance of parenting interventions at an early age.

Suggested Citation

  • Orazio Attanasio & Sarah Cattan & Emla Fitzsimons & Costas Meghir & Marta Rubio Codina, 2020. "Estimating the production function for human capital: results from a randomized controlled trial in Colombia," IFS Working Papers W20/3, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:20/3
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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