Are Big-Time Sports a Threat to Student Achievement?

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2012
Volume: 4
Issue: 4
Pages: 254-74

Authors (3)

Jason M. Lindo (National Bureau of Economic Re...) Isaac D. Swensen (not in RePEc) Glen R. Waddell (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We consider the relationship between collegiate football success and non-athlete student performance. We find that the team's success significantly reduces male grades relative to female grades, and only in fall quarters, which coincides with the football season. Using survey data, we find that males are more likely than females to increase alcohol consumption, decrease studying, and increase partying in response to the success of the team. Yet, females also report that their behavior is affected by athletic success, suggesting that their performance is likely impaired but that this effect is masked by the practice of grade curving. (JEL I21, L83)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:4:y:2012:i:4:p:254-74
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25