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Understanding peer effects : on the nature, estimation and channels of peer effects

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  • Feld, J.F.
  • Zölitz, U.N.

    (Research Centre for Educ and Labour Mark)

Abstract

This paper estimates peer effects in a university context where students are randomly assigned to sections. While students benefit from better peers on average, lowachieving students are harmed by high-achieving peers. Analyzing students’ course evaluations suggests that peer effects are driven by improved group interaction rather than adjustments in teachers’ behavior or students’ effort. We further show, building on Angrist (2014), that classical measurement error in a setting where group assignment is systematic can lead to substantial overestimation of peer effects. With random assignment, as is the case in our setting, estimates are only attenuated.

Suggested Citation

  • Feld, J.F. & Zölitz, U.N., 2016. "Understanding peer effects : on the nature, estimation and channels of peer effects," ROA Research Memorandum 001, Maastricht University, Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umaror:2016001
    DOI: 10.26481/umaror.2016001
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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