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Research ArticleArticle

Does teaching children how to play cognitively demanding games improve their educational attainment? Evidence from a Randomised Controlled Trial of chess instruction in England

John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, John Micklewright, Mary Sawtell and Meg Wiggins
Published online before print June 07, 2017, 0516-7952R; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.53.4.0516.7952R
John Jerrim
UCL Institute of Education
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Lindsey Macmillan
UCL Institute of Education
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John Micklewright
UCL Institute of Education
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Mary Sawtell
UCL Institute of Education
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Meg Wiggins
UCL Institute of Education
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Abstract

A number of studies suggest that teaching children how to play chess may have an impact upon their educational attainment. Yet the strength of this evidence is undermined by limitations with research design. This paper attempts to overcome these limitations by presenting evidence from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving more than 4,000 children in England. In contrast to much of the existing literature, we find no evidence of an effect of chess instruction upon children’s mathematics, reading or science test scores. Our results provide a timely reminder of the need for social scientists to employ robust research designs.

Key Words
  • Chess
  • RCT
  • educational attainment
  • England

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Journal of Human Resources: 58 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 58, Issue 3
1 May 2023
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Does teaching children how to play cognitively demanding games improve their educational attainment? Evidence from a Randomised Controlled Trial of chess instruction in England
John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, John Micklewright, Mary Sawtell, Meg Wiggins
Journal of Human Resources Jun 2017, 0516-7952R; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.53.4.0516.7952R

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Does teaching children how to play cognitively demanding games improve their educational attainment? Evidence from a Randomised Controlled Trial of chess instruction in England
John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, John Micklewright, Mary Sawtell, Meg Wiggins
Journal of Human Resources Jun 2017, 0516-7952R; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.53.4.0516.7952R
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Keywords

  • Chess
  • RCT
  • Educational Attainment
  • England
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