The Effect of Coarse Score Labels on College Application Decisions

Mori, Tomoharu; Takii, Katsuya

OSIPP Discussion Paper, 2025, DP-2025-E-002, 1-41

Number of Access:186（2025-09-01 15:38 Counts）

Identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11094/101440

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Title
The Effect of Coarse Score Labels on College Application Decisions
Creator
NRID
1000000733057 1000000733057
CreatorName
Mori, Tomoharu
NRID
1000070346138 1000070346138
researchmap permalink
k-takii k-takii
Scopus Author ID
6603896348 6603896348
CreatorName
Takii, Katsuya
Subject
Inattention
college application
regression discontinuity
score labels
JEL
C21
D91
I23
Abstract
This study examines whether people are inattentive to once-in-a-lifetime events. Using data from Japanese entrance examinations, we show that, even in situations where there appears to be little difference in the actual admissions probability, students change their school of choice simply because the coarse label describing admissions probability has changed. To understand the mechanism behind this result, we model students’ application decisions by incorporating inattention. The results suggest that, in once-in-a-lifetime situations, students do observe information more carefully than usual, but they still cannot be completely attentive. We also find that people with better information processing skills and who are accustomed to processing more information daily pay greater attention to information.
Publisher
Osaka School of International Public Policy, The University of Osaka
Source Title
OSIPP Discussion Paper
Volume (Issue)
DP-2025-E-002
Page
1-41
Date of Issued
2025-06-06
Language
English
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/11094/101440
Relation.references
URI
https://www.osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp/archives/DP/2025/DP2025E002.pdf
Access Rights
metadata only access
Category
ディスカッション／ワーキング・ペーパー DP/WP
OSIPP Discussion Paper