If you’re competing in the US National Spelling Bee and the preceding contestant spells correctly, you’re at least 13pc more likely to make a mistake than if your predecessor made an error, says Jonathan Smith of The College Board. The reason for the effect is unclear, Smith says; it may be that a contestant’s error-free performance increases the psychological pressure on the next.

(Source: Journal of Human Resources)

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, February 23rd, 2015

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