Requiring a Math Skills Unit: Results of a Randomized Experiment.

Abstract

Research spanning three decades supports what many experienced instructors of economics have long concluded—math matters. Students with greater mathematics preparation attain higher test scores in introductory economics (Steven R. Cox, 1974; Gordon Anderson et al., 1994; Charles L. Ballard and Marianne F. Johnson, 2004). While all levels of competency seem to explain performance, Ballard and Johnson (2004) find “mastery of extremely basic quantitative skills is among the most important factors for success in introductory microeconomics.” Furthermore, research shows that mathematical competency reduces anxiety in economics classes (Mary Ellen Benedict and John Hoag, 2002). To the extent that anxiety may interfere with the cognitive process, an effective mechanism to correct for math deficiencies is desirable. The research supports that there may be simple methods economics instructors can use to improve students’ learning. Common techniques include assigning a math chapter in the text, completing a math unit at the university skills center, or completing a computer unit that reviews and tests basic math skills. These alternatives, however, require effort from all students, including those possessing good math skills. Consequently, many instructors make these math assignments optional, while particularly encouraging those with weaker math skills to complete them. But this procedure is also problematic, as students most in need of the math review are often least likely to put forth effort when there is no tangible reward. In this paper, we report on the results of a controlled experiment with random assignment, which tests whether giving a grade incentive to complete a math skills unit results in higher overall achievement in introductory economics. We find that students provided with the incentive get higher exam scores. The achievement gain is most noticeable for students lower in the grade distribution. Students with the weakest backgrounds and, therefore, with the greatest marginal gains from completing the math unit, are more likely to derive the benefits from that effort.