Gender Differences in Math Tests: the Role of Time Pressure

A-Tier
Journal: Economic Journal
Year: 2024
Volume: 134
Issue: 664
Pages: 3461-3475

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We investigate the role of time pressure in generating gender gaps in math tests. In a randomised experiment, college students took a twenty-question math test under high, low or no time pressure. Reducing or eliminating time pressure decreases the math gender gap by up to 40%. Larger gaps under time pressure are mostly due to increased anxiety rather than to students modifying their test-taking strategies. The correlation between math test scores and university performance is equally high under the different scenarios. Hence, less time pressure may increase gender equality in math subjects with no effect on the selection process.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:econjl:v:134:y:2024:i:664:p:3461-3475.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25