nep-spo New Economics Papers
on Sports and Economics
Issue of 2012‒09‒03
three papers chosen by
Joao Carlos Correia Leitao
University of Beira Interior and Technical University of Lisbon

  1. Football to Improve Math and Reading Performance By Van Klaveren, C.; De Witte, K.
  2. What Shapes Young Elite Athletes' Perception of Chances in an Environment of Great Uncertainty? By Verena Jung; Sascha L. Schmidt; Benno Torgler
  3. London 2012 - das Ende des Mythos vom erfolgreichen Sportsoldaten By Wolfgang Maennig

  1. By: Van Klaveren, C.; De Witte, K.
    Abstract: Schools frequently increase instructional time to improve students' numeric and reading performance, but there is little evidence on the effectiveness of such an increase. This study evaluates 'Playing for Success', an extended day program for underachieving pupils that uses the football environment as a motivating force. Primary school pupils with low motivation and self-esteem are offered practical and sports related teaching content for 30 additional hours. The program is evaluated using a randomized controlled field experiment. The results indicate that Playing for Success does not signicantly improve math and reading performance of primary school students.
    Keywords: Achievement; Child Development; Evaluation; Motivation; Extended School Day.
    Date: 2012
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tir:wpaper:43&r=spo
  2. By: Verena Jung (EBS Business School); Sascha L. Schmidt (EBS Business School); Benno Torgler (QUT)
    Abstract: Unrealistic optimism is a commonly observed bias in the perception of chances. In this paper, we examine whether the bias is also present among young elite soccer players (10 to 23 years old) who receive regular objective feedback through external assessments. Utilising a large unique data set of almost 1600 individuals allows us to explore the empirical validation of the ipsative theory of human behaviour. In particular, we analyse how factors such as age or experience, education, peer group performance, and the level of integration into culture exert influence over young elite athletes' perceived chance of becoming a professional player. Working with a homogeneous dataset of individuals possessing similar characteristics and professional goals allows us to control for and isolate (unobserved) factors that may shape perceptions.
    Keywords: Perception of chances, unrealistic optimism, ipsative possibility set, integration effects, soccer
    JEL: L83 D81 D03 J15
    Date: 2012–08–14
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qut:dpaper:292&r=spo
  3. By: Wolfgang Maennig (Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg)
    Date: 2012–08–21
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hce:wpaper:044&r=spo

This nep-spo issue is ©2012 by Joao Carlos Correia Leitao. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at http://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the School of Economics and Finance of Massey University in New Zealand.