Computers, Learning Outcomes, and the Choices Facing Students

We model the tradeoff students face between devoting time to coursework and time for other activities. We show how the model can be used to identify whether computers are productive tools and whether students will learn more when using computers. We present our own empirical findings, in a case study focusing on college composition. Only one-sixth of the students in our study fall into the category indicating that the computer was a productivity enhancing tool even though more than half achieved the same or higher measure of learning.

Grade Dropping, Strategic Behavior, And Student Satisficing

An extensive database of exam scores is studied to determine the effects of a grading policy that drops the lowest exam score. We find evidence that some students engage in strategic behavior, either by understudying for one of the exams or missing one altogether, but the vast majority of students show no evidence of strategic behavior. We also find evidence that many students “satisfice”, showing how a large percentage of students passed up an expected improvement in their course grade. We find that the probability a student will choose to complete an optional final exam is inversely related to their grade going into the final. Further, the likelihood of a student completing the final exam rises with the spread between prior exam scores and falls with the points needed to raise their course grade

Large Retailers, Economic Development, and the Local Property Tax Base: Evidence from Wal-mart in New York State

This study assesses the impact large, national retailers have on local governments. Specifically, the research investigates the impact of Wal-Mart on property values and property tax rates in a set of municipalities in New York State from 1990 to 1997. Results from regression analyses imply no change in total municipality property value. Property tax rates, however, are found to be higher: the combined city-village-town and special district tax rate increased a statistically significant 2.4 percent annually each year a Wal-Mart was present in a municipality. Disaggregation shows that special-district tax rates rose 2.6 percent annually and the city-village-town property tax rate rose similarly.

Inefficiency in deregulated wholesale electricity markets: the case of the New England ISO

The efficiency of the New England Independent System Operator electricity market is examined. Using peak hour prices from March 2003 to February 2007, significant differences between Day Ahead (DA) and spot prices are found, indicating that profitable arbitrage opportunities existed in the DA market. It is also found that persistence of price volatility is higher in the DA market, indicating that information is not incorporated into DA prices as quickly as it is in the spot market.

A TARCH examination of the return volatility-volume relationship in electricity futures

Four electricity futures markets on NYMEX between 1996 and 1999 are examined using a TARCH model. The evidence suggests traders had an asymmetric reaction to new information. Evidence also is found for a correlation between futures returns and trading volume in two markets (COB and PV).