Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
Working Paper Series,
Research Institute of Industrial Economics
No 1180: Exercise Improves Academic Performance
Alexander W Cappelen, Gary Charness, Mathias Ekström (mathias.ekstrom@nhh.no), Uri Gneezy and Bertil Tungodden
Additional contact information
Alexander W Cappelen: The Choice Lab, Postal: NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Bergen
Gary Charness: University of California, Postal: Santa Barbara
Mathias Ekström: The Choice Lab, Postal: NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Bergen, and Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN), Stockholm, Sweden
Uri Gneezy: University of California, Postal: Sand Diego, and CREED, University of Amsterdam
Bertil Tungodden: The Choice Lab, Postal: NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Bergen
Abstract: We report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing whether incentivizing physical exercise improves the academic performance of college students. As expected, the intervention increases physical activity. The main result is that it generates a strong and significant improvement in academic performance, particularly for students who struggled at the baseline in terms of lifestyle habits. We also provide evidence on the underlying mechanisms: Students who were incentivized to exercise have a healthier life style and improved self-control. Overall, the study demonstrates that incentivizing students to exercise can be an important tool in improving educational achievements.
Keywords: C93; I12; I18; I21; Z20
JEL-codes: C93; I12; I18; I21; Z20
Language: English
49 pages, September 8, 2017
Note: Economics of education; Human capital formation; Behavior change; Field experiment
Full text files
wp1180.pdf
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