Estimating the Production Function for Human Capital: Results from a Randomized Control Trial in Colombia

Authors

Orazio P. Attanasio
Sarah Cattan
Emla Fitzsimons
Costas Meghir
Marta Rubio-Codina

Document Type

Discussion Paper

Publication Date

2-1-2015

CFDP Number

1987R2

CFDP Revision Date

2018-07-01

CFDP Pages

55

Abstract

We examine the channels through which a randomized early childhood intervention in Colombia led to significant gains in cognitive and socio-emotional skills among a sample of disadvantaged children aged 12 to 24 months at baseline. We estimate the determinants of parents’ material and time investments in these children and evaluate the impact of the treatment on such investments. We then estimate the production functions for cognitive and socio-emotional skills. The effects of the program can be explained by increases in parental investments, emphasizing the importance of parenting interventions at an early age.

Comments

Supplement Materials, 40 pp

Recommended Citation

Attanasio, Orazio P.; Cattan, Sarah; Fitzsimons, Emla; Meghir, Costas; and Rubio-Codina, Marta, "Estimating the Production Function for Human Capital: Results from a Randomized Control Trial in Colombia" (2015). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2415.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2415