|
on Nudge and Boosting |
|
Issue of 2026–04–06
two papers chosen by Marco Novarese, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Monica P. Bhatt; Jonathan Guryan; Fatemeh Momeni; Philip Oreopoulos; Eleni Packis |
| Abstract: | This paper presents the results of three field experiments testing interventions designed to increase engagement and improve learning during remote schooling. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of remote learning when schooling is interrupted has become more common, prompting educators to ask: How can we better engage students during remote instruction? This is especially salient because much of what we know about student engagement is based on in-person schooling, not virtual instruction. In the first experiment, we find that personalized phone calls increased families’ likelihood of registering for a virtual summer schooling program in Chicago Public Schools, the pre-specified primary outcome. In the second experiment, we find sending weekly text messages had no effect on students’ summer days absent and usage of Khan Academy, the primary outcomes; in analyses of secondary outcomes, we find that the weekly text messages increased students’ likelihood of passing their summer math course. In the third experiment, we find adding an instructional aide to supplement classroom teachers had no effect on the primary outcomes of summer days absent and usage of Khan Academy; in analyses of secondary outcomes, we find beneficial impacts in the following school year on students’ math grades and passing rates. |
| JEL: | I21 I24 J01 J24 |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34996 |
| By: | Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen; Phumsith Mahasuweerachai |
| Abstract: | Reducing environmental damage from agricultural systems is a critical priority for governments. Particularly, rice farmers in developing nations frequently resort to the environmentally harmful practice of post-harvest residue burning. Promotion of practices to mitigate burning is met with differing degrees of success. Through experimental research with farmers in Thailand, this study examines the impact of temporary cost and income subsidies on the reduction of burning by farmers with differing financial attributes. Financial characteristics were modelled by imposing budget constraints on participants through varying initial endowments. The findings indicated that temporary subsidies were effective in not only the short-term during provision but also in the longterm after subsidies ended. Additionally, several psychological impacts contributing to disparities in adoption rates were identified, including the perceived need for obtaining more income among budget-constrained individuals and the noteworthy impact of loss aversion on long-term adoption decisions. The study’s insights offer valuable contributions to understanding smallholder farmers’ behaviours in accepting temporary subsidies for sustainable agriculture and provides policymakers with practical strategies to alleviate the harmful consequences of conventional farming practices. |
| Keywords: | Sustainable agriculture; Crop residue burning; Field experiment; Financial incentives; Smallholder farmers; Budget constraints |
| JEL: | D91 O13 H23 |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pui:dpaper:247 |