I can say with some authority not all research is created equal. One of the hats I wear is that of an engineer. Most of the engineering work I’ve done recently has been university-funded research. All of the research I’ve done has been challenging and downright difficult. I should have been a professional educator or, perhaps, some folks are just born lucky.

Check out this recently published research project entitled “The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance” by Todd Stinebrickner, of The University of Western Ontario and Ralph Stinebrickner of Berea College. This seems to be a refinement of an earlier publication called “Time-Use and College Outcomes” published in 2004 so it’s been in the works for several years.

Here’s the abstract from Dr. Stinebrickner’s most recent paper:

Despite the large amount of attention that has been paid recently to understanding the determinants of educational outcomes, knowledge of the causal effect of the most fundamental input in the education production function - students’ study time and effort - has remained virtually non-existent. In this paper, we examine the causal effect of studying on grade performance using an Instrumental Variable estimator. Our approach takes advantage of a unique natural experiment and is possible because we have collected unique longitudinal data that provides detailed information about all aspects of this experiment. Important for understanding the potential impact of a wide array of education policies, the results suggest that human capital accumulation is far from predetermined at the time of college entrance.

Translation of eduspeak: Data shows studying affects academic performance.

Hmmm…I’ve heard that somewhere before. From my parents, grandparents, my teachers, even my classmates. I’ve even discovered it through my own self-experimentation. Should I go to the movies or study? Which will earn me better marks? I have even said it to my own kids but, of course, without any empirical backup. Until now.

In his Conclusion, Dr. Stinebrickner writes:

To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the only evidence about the causal relationship between study-effort and grade production.

Apparently, nobody thought research was necessary to support this principle, namely, that if one studies one will be more successful academically.

His secondary conclusion is that a lousy roommate who plays video games has a negative influence on academic success. I see that at home daily. If one kiddo is playing video games the other is often greatly distracted from studying.

So, who pays for this stuff? Well, the Acknowledgements state that the project was “generously funded” by The Mellon Foundation, The National Science Foundation and The Social Science Humanities Research Council. Somewhere in there are probably some taxpayer dollars.

So, I need some generously funded research projects like this one. Perhaps a proposal to investigate whether asphalt or dirt make a better road surface. Or whether or not rain makes my lawn grow. If anyone knows where I can submit a proposal let me know.

Hat Tip and a bow to matthewktabor.com for letting us all know about this paper.

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