Computer Gaming and Test Scores: Cross-Country Gender Differences Among Teenagers

63 Pages Posted: 27 Dec 2016

See all articles by Yann Algan

Yann Algan

Universite Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne - CNRS-EUREQUA; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Nicole M. Fortin

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics

Abstract

Using the PISA surveys (2000-2012), this paper explores the relationship between math test scores and everyday computer gaming by gender and for high income and middle income countries. We use two identification strategies in the spirit of an ideal experiment that would reduce computer gaming through limited internet access or through schools alternative demands. We find that everyday computer gaming has positive effects for boys, but negative effects for girls arising mostly in collaborative games suggesting a role for social effects. Computer gaming is becoming the new "swimming upstream" factor in the quest to close the gender gap in math.

Keywords: math test scores, computer gaming, internet access, gender differences

JEL Classification: J16, I2

Suggested Citation

Algan, Yann and Fortin, Nicole M., Computer Gaming and Test Scores: Cross-Country Gender Differences Among Teenagers. IZA Discussion Paper No. 10433, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2889679 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2889679

Yann Algan (Contact Author)

Universite Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne - CNRS-EUREQUA ( email )

106-112 Boulevard de l'Hopital
Paris Cedex 13, 75647
France

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Nicole M. Fortin

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics ( email )

997-1873 East Mall
Department of Economics
Vancouver, BC V6T1Z1
Canada
604-822-3222 (Phone)
604-822-5915 (Fax)

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