Unbundling Effort and Skill in Low-Stakes Literacy Assessment Among 4Ps Beneficiaries

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Low-stakes assessments may underestimate true cognitive skills if respondents lack motivation to perform well. ​This study evaluates whether financial incentives affect literacy and numeracy test performance among 4Ps and comparable low-income households, decomposing observed scores into skill and effort components. ​ Findings will inform the interpretation of educational impact evaluations and assessment design for vulnerable populations. Expanding this further, results can inform 4Ps complementary interventions to improve.