Biased beliefs and entry into scientific careers

Arbeitspapier

We investigate whether excessively optimistic beliefs play a role in the persistent demand for doctoral and postdoctoral training in science. We elicit the beliefs and career preferences of doctoral students through a novel survey and randomize the provision of structured information on the true state of the academic market and information through role models on nonacademic careers. One year later, both treatments lead students to update their beliefs about the academic market and impact career preferences. However, we do not find an effect on actual career outcomes two years postintervention.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Upjohn Institute Working Paper ; No. 20-334

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Higher Education; Research Institutions ; Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty: General ; Expectations; Speculations ; Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
• Subject: higher education ; information ; biased beliefs ; career preferences ; science

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Ganguli, Ina ; Gaulé, Patrick ; Vuleti´c éCugalj, Danijela
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
• (where): Kalamazoo, MI
• (when): 2020

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.17848/wp20-334
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/228437
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET