A Comparison of Course Delivery Methods: An Exercise in Experimental Economics

11 Pages Posted: 9 Apr 2007

See all articles by Roy M. Howsen

Roy M. Howsen

Western Kentucky University - Gordon Ford College of Business

Stephen E. Lile

Western Kentucky University - Gordon Ford College of Business

Date Written: March 2007

Abstract

This paper compares student performance in traditional and online classes using a methodological framework free from problems affecting past studies including self-selection bias that beset many earlier studies. The data employed in this study consists of 1) students' test scores in Principles of Macroeconomics courses, 2) students' academic information collected from the registrar's office, and 3) students' personal information collected from a survey completed by students involved in the study. Using a two-stage least squares model we find that the average grade for the students in the online class is almost two letter grades lower than the average grade for students in the traditional class, ceteris paribus.

JEL Classification: I21

Suggested Citation

Howsen, Roy M. and Lile, Steve, A Comparison of Course Delivery Methods: An Exercise in Experimental Economics (March 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=979091 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.979091

Roy M. Howsen (Contact Author)

Western Kentucky University - Gordon Ford College of Business ( email )

Department of Economics
Bowling Green, KY 42101
United States
270-745-3172 (Phone)

Steve Lile

Western Kentucky University - Gordon Ford College of Business ( email )

Department of Economics
Bowling Green, KY 42101
United States
720-745-3115 (Phone)

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