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Research ArticleArticles
Open Access

The Impact of Low-Ability Peers on Cognitive and Noncognitive Outcomes

Random Assignment Evidence on the Effects and Operating Channels

Di Xu, Qing Zhang and Xuehan Zhou
Journal of Human Resources, March 2022, 57 (2) 555-596; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.57.2.0718-9637R2
Di Xu
Di Xu is an associate professor of Education Policy and Social Context at the School of Education, University of California Irvine .
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  • For correspondence: [email protected]
Qing Zhang
Qing Zhang is a postdoctoral fellow at the Instituite for Policy Research at Northwestern University.
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Xuehan Zhou
Xuehan Zhou is a doctoral student at the School of Education, University of California, Irvine.
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Abstract

This article presents new experimental estimates of the impact of low-ability peers on own outcomes using nationally representative data from China. We exploit the random assignment of students to junior high school classrooms and find that the proportion of low-ability peers, defined as having been retained during primary school (“repeaters”), has negative effects on nonrepeaters’ cognitive and noncognitive outcomes. An exploration of the mechanisms shows that a larger proportion of repeater peers is associated with reduced after-school study time. The negative effects are driven by male repeaters and are more pronounced among students with less strict parental monitoring at home.

JEL Classification:
  • I21
  • I28
  • D62
  • Received July 2018.
  • Accepted December 2019.

This open access article is distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) and is freely available online at: http://jhr.uwpress.org. Derek Neal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5322-0811

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Journal of Human Resources: 57 (2)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 57, Issue 2
1 Mar 2022
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The Impact of Low-Ability Peers on Cognitive and Noncognitive Outcomes
Di Xu, Qing Zhang, Xuehan Zhou
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2022, 57 (2) 555-596; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.57.2.0718-9637R2

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The Impact of Low-Ability Peers on Cognitive and Noncognitive Outcomes
Di Xu, Qing Zhang, Xuehan Zhou
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2022, 57 (2) 555-596; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.57.2.0718-9637R2
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Keywords

  • I21
  • I28
  • D62
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