Weather effects on academic performance: An analysis using administrative data
A growing number of studies have examined the impact of temperature and weather extremes on a range of economic outcomes. In this paper we contribute to the evolving literature on the relationship between temperature and educational outcomes given the crucial role of human capital development on economic growth.
Specifically, we use national level administrative data on nearly 1 million Australian students to study if their test scores are affected by temperature variations. Overall, our analysis shows a significant negative effect of heat and cold on students’ test scores. The effects get exacerbated with heatwaves. The large geographical size and climate variability across Australia also allows us to study spatial heterogeneity in the effects of temperature on student performance.
Overall, we find that those living in regions with hot dry or high humid summer are not affected by extreme heat but are vulnerable to cold weather. Likewise, those living in regions with cool winter or cool temperate weather conditions are not greatly impacted by cold temperatures, but their scores are affected by heat. In contrast, students who live in regions with warm to mild temperate weather conditions, are affected by both hot and cold temperatures.
Speaker Profile
Preety Srivastava, Senior Lecturer, RMIT University
Preety Srivastava joined RMIT University in 2013 where she's currently a Senior lecturer in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing.
Her research expertise and interests lie in applied microeconomics and econometrics, particularly in areas such as recreational drug consumption and health, with links to other social and economic outcomes such as housing and education.
Ms Srivastava has published in several very well-respected mainstream economics and econometrics journals, and field journals such as the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, the Journal of Health Economics and the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Ms Srivastava supervises a number of HDR students. Ms Srivastava teaches primarily into business statistics and econometrics streams and both in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact shannon.stanwell@monash.edu
Event Details
- Date:
- 3 April 2023 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Venue:
- In-person at Caulfield campus, Building H, Level 9, Room H9.21
- Categories:
- CHE Seminar; Health Economics
Description
A growing number of studies have examined the impact of temperature and weather extremes on a range of economic outcomes. In this paper we contribute to the evolving literature on the relationship between temperature and educational outcomes given the crucial role of human capital development on economic growth.
Specifically, we use national level administrative data on nearly 1 million Australian students to study if their test scores are affected by temperature variations. Overall, our analysis shows a significant negative effect of heat and cold on students’ test scores. The effects get exacerbated with heatwaves. The large geographical size and climate variability across Australia also allows us to study spatial heterogeneity in the effects of temperature on student performance.
Overall, we find that those living in regions with hot dry or high humid summer are not affected by extreme heat but are vulnerable to cold weather. Likewise, those living in regions with cool winter or cool temperate weather conditions are not greatly impacted by cold temperatures, but their scores are affected by heat. In contrast, students who live in regions with warm to mild temperate weather conditions, are affected by both hot and cold temperatures.
Speaker Profile
Preety Srivastava, Senior Lecturer, RMIT University
Preety Srivastava joined RMIT University in 2013 where she's currently a Senior lecturer in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing.
Her research expertise and interests lie in applied microeconomics and econometrics, particularly in areas such as recreational drug consumption and health, with links to other social and economic outcomes such as housing and education.
Ms Srivastava has published in several very well-respected mainstream economics and econometrics journals, and field journals such as the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, the Journal of Health Economics and the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Ms Srivastava supervises a number of HDR students. Ms Srivastava teaches primarily into business statistics and econometrics streams and both in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact shannon.stanwell@monash.edu