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Understanding the Mechanisms through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • James J. Heckman

    (University of Chicago)

  • Rodrigo Pinto

    (University of Chicago)

  • Peter A. Savelyev

    (Vanderbilt University)

Abstract

A growing literature establishes that high quality early childhood interventions targeted toward disadvantaged children have substantial impacts on later life outcomes. Little is known about the mechanisms producing these impacts. This paper uses longitudinal data on cognitive and personality traits from an experimental evaluation of the influential Perry Preschool program to analyze the channels through which the program boosted both male and female participant outcomes. Experimentally induced changes in personality traits explain a sizable portion of adult treatment effects.

Suggested Citation

  • James J. Heckman & Rodrigo Pinto & Peter A. Savelyev, 2012. "Understanding the Mechanisms through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes," Vanderbilt University Department of Economics Working Papers 12-00011, Vanderbilt University Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:van:wpaper:vuecon-12-00011
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anderson, Michael L., 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1481-1495.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cognitive traits; personality traits; externalizing behavior; academic motivation; factor analysis; human capital; human development; early childhood interventions; social experiments; Perry Preschool program; experimentally estimated production functions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • J2 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor

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