The Effects of High Stakes High School Achievement Awards: Evidence from a Randomized Trial

Authors: Angrist, Joshua; Lavy, Victor

Source: The American Economic Review, Volume 99, Number 4, September 2009 , pp. 1384-1414(31)

Publisher: American Economic Association

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $19.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The Israeli matriculation certificate is a prerequisite for most postsecondary schooling. In a randomized trial, we attempted to increase certification rates among low-achievers with cash incentives. The experiment used a school-based randomization design offering awards to all who passed their exams in treated schools. This led to a substantial increase in certification rates for girls but had no effect on boys. Affected girls had a relatively high ex ante chance of certification. The increase in girls' matriculation rates translated into an increased likelihood of college attendance. Female matriculation rates increased partly because treated girls devoted extra time to exam preparation.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1257/aer.99.4.1384

Publication date: 2009-09-01

More about this publication?

The American Economic Review is a general-interest economics journal. The journal is published quarterly and contains articles on a broad range of topics. Established in 1911, the AER is among the nation's oldest and most respected scholarly journals in the economics profession.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Subscribe to this Title
Membership Information
Terms & Conditions
e-Publications for AEA Members
AEAweb
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites