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In Case You Were Wondering: Long-Term Peer Effects of Curiosity on Educational Attainment

Author

Listed:
  • Xia,Yiming
  • Zhang, Anwen
  • Wang, Weidong
  • Wen, Ming

Abstract

Curiosity motivates learning yet has rarely been studied in economics. Using random assignment to classrooms in the first year of middle school, we document persistent and long-term effects of peer curiosity that extend into early adulthood. A 10- percentage-point increase in the share of highly curious peers raises higher education enrollment by 4.7 percentage points after seven years, against a baseline rate of 68 percent, with gains concentrated in four-year bachelor's programs. Exploratory analyses point to higher aspirations, better time management, and greater parental investment as plausible mechanisms. These results suggest that curiosity generates lasting social returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Xia,Yiming & Zhang, Anwen & Wang, Weidong & Wen, Ming, 2026. "In Case You Were Wondering: Long-Term Peer Effects of Curiosity on Educational Attainment," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1818, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1818
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/344025/1/GLO-DP-1818.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Koen Jochmans, 2023. "Testing random assignment to peer groups," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(3), pages 321-333, April.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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