Temperature and Cognitive Performance: Evidence from Mental Arithmetic Training
Name
10640_2024_Article_881.pdf
Size
2.13 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
451162b4b57af0e7986ccdff09a84204
Author(s)
Krebs, Benjamin
Date Issued
June 4, 2024
Journal
Environmental and Resource Economics
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Citation
Krebs, B. Temperature and Cognitive Performance: Evidence from Mental Arithmetic Training. Environ Resource Econ (2024).
Version
Final published version
Abstract
With rising average temperatures and extreme heat events becoming more frequent, understanding the ramifications for cognitive performance is essential. I estimate the effect of outside air temperature on performance in mental arithmetic training games. Using data from 31,000 individuals and 1.15 million games played, I analyze frequent engagement in a cognitively challenging task in a non-stressful and familiar environment. I find that, above a threshold of 16.5∘ C, a 1∘ C increase in outside air temperature leads to a performance reduction of 0.13%. The effect is mostly driven by individuals living in relatively cold areas, who are less adapted to hot temperatures.
MIT Department
MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-024-00881-y
