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Identifying Peer Effects in Networks with Unobserved Effort and Isolated Students

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  • Houndetoungan, Aristide

    (Université de Paris)

  • Kouame, Cristelle

    (World Bank)

  • Vlassopoulos, Michael

    (University of Southampton)

Abstract

Peer influence on effort devoted to some activity is often studied using proxy variables when actual effort is unobserved. For instance, in education, academic effort is often proxied by GPA. We propose an alternative approach that circumvents this approximation. Our framework distinguishes unobserved shocks to GPA that do not affect effort from preference shocks that do affect effort levels. We show that peer effects estimates obtained using our approach can differ significantly from classical estimates (where effort is approximated) if the network includes isolated students. Applying our approach to data on high school students in the United States, we find that peer effect estimates relying on GPA as a proxy for effort are 40% lower than those obtained using our approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Houndetoungan, Aristide & Kouame, Cristelle & Vlassopoulos, Michael, 2024. "Identifying Peer Effects in Networks with Unobserved Effort and Isolated Students," IZA Discussion Papers 16998, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16998
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networks; peer effects; academic achievement; unobserved effort; isolated agents;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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