Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Economics
Journal Title
American Economic Review
Pub Date
10-2013
Publisher
American Economic Association
Volume
103
Issue
6
First Page
2052
Abstract
A growing literature establishes that high quality early childhood interventions targeted toward disadvantaged children have substantial impacts on later life outcomes. Little is known about the mechanisms producing these impacts. This paper uses longitudinal data on cognitive and personality skills from an experimental evaluation of the influential Perry Preschool program to analyze the channels through which the program boosted both male and female participant outcomes. Experimentally induced changes in personality skills explain a sizable portion of adult treatment effects.
Recommended Citation
Heckman, James; Pinto, Rodrigo; and Savelyev, Peter A., Understanding the Mechanisms through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes (2013). American Economic Review, 103(6), 2052-2086.
10.1257/aer.103.6.2052
DOI
10.1257/aer.103.6.2052
Publisher Statement
This material has been published in American Economic Review by James Heckman, Rodrigo Pinto, and Peter Savelyev, http://doi.org/10.1257/aer.103.6.2052. © American Economic Association.
