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The Folly of Dillydally

Author

Listed:
  • Arthur Caplan
  • John Gilbert

Abstract

Using information from on-line graded assignments in an intermediate microeconomics course, we find that non-procrastinators (both earlystarters and front-loaders) obtain higher scores than their dillydallying counterparts. We also find that while busier students tend to start their assignments earlier, they nevertheless back-load the bulk of their effort.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur Caplan & John Gilbert, 2004. "The Folly of Dillydally," Working Papers 2004-16, Utah State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:usu:wpaper:2004-16
    as

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    File URL: https://repec.bus.usu.edu/RePEc/usu/pdf/ERI2004-16.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fischer, Carolyn, 2001. "Read this paper later: procrastination with time-consistent preferences," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 249-269, November.
    2. O'Donoghue, Ted & Rabin, Matthew, 1997. "Doing It Now or Later," Department of Economics, Working Paper Series qt7t44m5b0, Department of Economics, Institute for Business and Economic Research, UC Berkeley.
    3. Matthew Rabin & Ted O'Donoghue, 1999. "Doing It Now or Later," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 89(1), pages 103-124, March.
    4. Ted O'Donoghue & Matthew Rabin, 2001. "Choice and Procrastination," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 116(1), pages 121-160.
    5. T. S. Breusch & A. R. Pagan, 1980. "The Lagrange Multiplier Test and its Applications to Model Specification in Econometrics," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 47(1), pages 239-253.
    6. Hausman, Jerry, 2015. "Specification tests in econometrics," Applied Econometrics, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), vol. 38(2), pages 112-134.
    7. Akerlof, George A, 1991. "Procrastination and Obedience," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 81(2), pages 1-19, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    procrastination; early-/late-starters; front-/back-loaders; student performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • I29 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Other

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