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  5. Microcommitments: The Effect of Small Commitments on Student Success

AEA Papers and Proceedings

ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)

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Microcommitments: The Effect of Small Commitments on Student Success

  • Amanda J. Felkey
  • Eva Dziadula
  • Eric P. Chiang
  • Jose Vazquez
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 111, May 2021
(pp. 92–96)
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Abstract

We conducted a randomized control trial with nearly 1,000 students to test whether using a text-message-based tool that provides small commitments with social accountability helps students procrastinate less and maintain engagement with course material, yielding improved academic performance. All students received identical content via text message, but the treatment group engaged with an online platform encouraging commitments and featuring a social feed with rankings. The analysis reveals that microcommitments with social accountability improved academic performance relative to students who received simple nudges. The increase is equivalent to 3 percentage points on an exam, driven by online and hybrid classes.

Citation

Felkey, Amanda J., Eva Dziadula, Eric P. Chiang, and Jose Vazquez. 2021. "Microcommitments: The Effect of Small Commitments on Student Success." AEA Papers and Proceedings 111: 92–96. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20211043

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
  • I28 Education: Government Policy