大学生同伴网络影响的非对称性研究

An Empirical Study on the Asymmetry of Positive-Negative Effects of Peer Networks on the Academic Achievement of University Students

同伴网络在人力资本培育过程中具有双刃剑的作用,本文统合了现有文献中围绕同伴网络积极影响与消极影响展开的两支研究方向,考察同伴网络对学习行为及学业成就影响的非对称性。在通过随机分配同伴这一策略以解决内生性问题的基础上,本文发现:尽管各类学习行为均受到随机分配同伴的影响,但较之积极学习行为,消极学习行为更容易在同伴之间传播与扩散,也更可能影响其最终的学业表现。此外,本文还发现同伴的网络效应存在"梯度"现象,即同伴对学习行为的影响强度高于其对学业结果的影响。

Peer networks have potential for good or evil for individuals cultivation of human capital. Drawing upon and combining two lines of arguments, which respectively tap into the positive and negative effects of peer networks on individuals human capital outcomes, this paper explores the asymmetry of such positive-negative effects. Taking endogeneity into full consideration, this paper finds that relative to active attitudes towards study, negative attitudes of peers to learning are more likely to be diffused and transmitted among university students in Chinese context, and descend students ultimate academic achievement. An in-depth analysis of the actual interaction of this particular group allows us to see part of the reasons for the asymmetry of the positive-negative effects, which is, the majority of students regard their peers as “play-mate” rather than “study-mate.” Moreover, random assigned peers emerge gradient effects on students academic performance. In addition, different from the conventional research with samples of students from middle and primary schools, this paper, based on data of university students in China, reveals that families economic-social status plays a weak and complex role in their attitudes towards learning and their learning behaviors as well.