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The effects of attendance on academic performance: panel data evidence for Introductory Microeconomics

Author

Listed:
  • Luca Stanca

    (Economics Department - University of Milan Bicocca)

Abstract

This paper presents new evidence on the effects of attendance on academic performance. We exploit a large panel data set for Introductory Microeconomics students to explicitly take into account the effect of unobservable factors correlated with attendance, such as ability, effort and motivation. We find that neither proxy variables nor instrumental variables provide a viable solution to the omitted variable bias. Panel estimators indicate that attendance has a positive and significant impact on performance. Lecture and classes have a similar effect on performance individually, although their impact cannot be identified separately. Overall, the results indicate that, after controlling for unobservable student characteristics, teaching has an important independent effect on learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Stanca, 2004. "The effects of attendance on academic performance: panel data evidence for Introductory Microeconomics," HEW 0411003, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwphe:0411003
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 29
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ann Kirby & Brendan McElroy, 2003. "The Effect of Attendance on Grade for First Year Economics Students in University College Cork," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 34(3), pages 311-326.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    academic achievement; attendance; panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

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