Work

Effects of homicide timing on test scores: Quasi-experimental evidence from two cities in Colombia

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the effect of homicides around schools on the standardized test scores of fifth and ninth graders (N = 4729; Mage = 12.71 years, SDage = 2.13) using a quasi-experimental design in two Colombian cities. Exposure to homicides occurring within 7 days of the test and within 500 m of the school decreases test scores by 0.10 SD. Effects show a greater sensitivity to timing than distance, becoming null as the time to the testing date increases but remaining consistent across larger radii. Since students in the study are on average exposed to 12.1 homicides per year, even short-lived learning losses can accumulate to impair learning for substantial portions of the school year. Findings are discussed, considering previous empirical work.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14056

Authors: Juan C Cristancho, Drew H Bailey, Greg J Duncan, Andres Molano, Arturo Harker, Ervyn Norza

Institutions: University of California, Irvine, Universidad de Los Andes

Language: English

Topic: Crime Patterns and Interventions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070