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Causal effects of mathematics

Author

Listed:
  • Torberg Falch

    (Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • Ole Henning Nyhus

    (Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
    Center for Economic Research at NTNU)

  • Bjarne Strom

    (Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

This paper exploits that students at age 16 in Norway are randomly selected into one compulsory exit exam in either mathematics or languages. A few days before the actual exam day, the students are notified about exam subject. The students have an intensive preparation period, and preparation in mathematics relative to languages is found to decrease dropout from high school, increase enrollment in higher education, and increase enrollment in natural science and technology education programs. The causal effects are strongest for males, and depend on prior skills in mathematics. We explore several mechanisms that might contribute to these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Torberg Falch & Ole Henning Nyhus & Bjarne Strom, 2013. "Causal effects of mathematics," Working Paper Series 15013, Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:nst:samfok:15013
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    File URL: http://www.svt.ntnu.no/iso/WP/2013/12_casualmath_TF_OHN_BS.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Joensen, Juanna Schrøter & Nielsen, Helena Skyt, 2018. "Spillovers in education choice," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 158-183.
    2. Gjefsen, Hege Marie, 2020. "Wages, teacher recruitment, and student achievement," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Mahdi Gholami & Samuel Muehlemann, 2024. "Math Skills, Selection in Training Firms, and Post-Training Wages," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0212, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    4. Simon Søbstad Bensnes, 2016. "Preparation time, exam scores, and tertiary education," Working Paper Series 17216, Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
    5. Andresen, Martin Eckhoff & Løkken, Sturla Andreas, 2020. "The Final straw: High school dropout for marginal students," MPRA Paper 106265, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Metcalfe, Robert & Burgess, Simon & Proud, Steven, 2019. "Students' effort and educational achievement: Using the timing of the World Cup to vary the value of leisure," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 111-126.
    7. Martin Eckhoff Andresen & Sturla A. Løkken, 2019. "High school dropout for marginal students. Evidence from randomized exam form," Discussion Papers 894, Statistics Norway, Research Department.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mathematical training; Intervention; External exit examination; High school graduation; Higher education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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