Working Paper: NBER ID: w16293
Authors: Richard B. Freeman; Stephen Machin; Martina Viarengo
Abstract: This study examines the variation in educational outcomes across and within countries using the TIMSS mathematics tests. It documents the wide cross-country variation in the level and dispersion of test scores. Countries with the highest test scores are those with the least inequality in scores, which suggests a "virtuous" equity-efficiency trade-off in improving educational outcomes. Analyzing the association of gender, immigrant status, and family background factors with scores, we find large cross-country differences in the relation between those factors and scores.
Keywords: Educational Outcomes; Inequality; Family Background; TIMSS; Cross-Country Variation
JEL Codes: H5; I20; J24; J68; O15; P5
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| family background factors (J12) | mathematics test scores (C12) |
| number of books at home (Y92) | mathematics test scores (C12) |
| improvements in educational outcomes (I24) | reducing inequality (I14) |
| family background factors (J12) | educational performance (I21) |
| gender attitudes (J16) | gender performance in mathematics (J16) |
| family background factors (J12) | educational outcomes (I26) |