Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 145 - 159 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization |
| Volume | 110 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Cite this
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Choosing to be trained: Do behavioral traits matter? / Dasgupta, Utteeyo; Gangadharan, Lata; Maitra, Pushkar; Mani, Subha; Subramanian, Samyukta.
In: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Vol. 110, 2015, p. 145 - 159.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Choosing to be trained: Do behavioral traits matter?
AU - Dasgupta, Utteeyo
AU - Gangadharan, Lata
AU - Maitra, Pushkar
AU - Mani, Subha
AU - Subramanian, Samyukta
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - In this paper, we examine the determinants of self-selection into a vocational training program in India. To do this we combine data from an artefactual field experiment with survey data collected from the targeted community. We find that applicants and non-applicants differ in terms of socio-economic characteristics (measured using a survey), as well as selected behavioral traits (elicited using an artefactual field experiment). Even after controlling for a range of socio-economic characteristics, we find that individuals who have higher tolerance for risk, and are more competitive, are more likely to apply to the training program. This suggests that focusing only on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics might not be sufficient to fully explain selection into the program. Participants behavioral traits are also crucial in influencing take-up rates in such programs. Our results suggest that as a methodology, there is valuable information to be gained by dissecting the black box of unobservables using data on behavioral traits.
AB - In this paper, we examine the determinants of self-selection into a vocational training program in India. To do this we combine data from an artefactual field experiment with survey data collected from the targeted community. We find that applicants and non-applicants differ in terms of socio-economic characteristics (measured using a survey), as well as selected behavioral traits (elicited using an artefactual field experiment). Even after controlling for a range of socio-economic characteristics, we find that individuals who have higher tolerance for risk, and are more competitive, are more likely to apply to the training program. This suggests that focusing only on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics might not be sufficient to fully explain selection into the program. Participants behavioral traits are also crucial in influencing take-up rates in such programs. Our results suggest that as a methodology, there is valuable information to be gained by dissecting the black box of unobservables using data on behavioral traits.
U2 - 10.1016/j.jebo.2014.12.013
DO - 10.1016/j.jebo.2014.12.013
M3 - Article
VL - 110
SP - 145
EP - 159
JO - Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
JF - Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
SN - 0167-2681
ER -