Full Library
Temperature and high-stakes cognitive performance: Evidence from the national college entrance examination in China
Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
- Zivin, Joshua Graff (Author)
- Song, Yao (Author)
- Tang, Qu (Author)
- Zhang, Peng (Author)
Title
Temperature and high-stakes cognitive performance: Evidence from the national college entrance examination in China
Abstract
We provide the first nation-wide estimates of the effects of temperature on high-stakes cognitive performance in a developing country using data from the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) in China. The NCEE is one of the most important institutions in China and affects millions of families. We find that a one-standard-deviation increase in temperature during the exam period within counties (2 °C/3.6 °F) decreases the total test score by 0.68%, or 5.83% of a standard deviation, with effects concentrated on the highest performing students. This suggests that temperature plays an important role in high-stakes cognitive performance and has potentially far-reaching impacts for the careers and lifetime earnings of students.
Publication
Journal of environmental economics and management
Volume
104
Pages
102365-102365
Date
2020-11-01
ISSN
0095-0696
Call Number
openalex: W2883944549
Extra
openalex: W2883944549
mag: 2883944549
Citation
Zivin, J. G., Song, Y., Tang, Q., & Zhang, P. (2020). Temperature and high-stakes cognitive performance: Evidence from the national college entrance examination in China. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 104, 102365–102365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2020.102365
Link to this record