Be as careful of the books you read as of the company you keep
Subtitle: evidence on peer effects in educational choices
By: by Giacomo De Giorgi, Michele Pellizzari, Silvia Redaelli
Contributors: Pellizzari, Michele
Series: Discussion paper -- no. 2833; Discussion paper (Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit : Online) -- no. 2833
Publisher: IZA
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Bonn, Germany
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Subjects: College majors; Peer pressure
Description: "In this paper we investigate whether peers' behavior influences the choice of college major. Using a unique dataset of students at Bocconi University and exploiting the organization of teaching at this institution, we are able to identify the endogenous effect of peers on such decision through a novel identification strategy which solves the common econometric problems of studies of social interactions. Results show that, indeed, one is more likely to choose a major when many of her peers make the same choice. We estimate that, when it diverts students from majors in which they seem to have a relative ability advantage, this effect leads to lower average grades and graduation mark, a penalty that could cost up to 1,117 USD a year in the labor market"--Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 8/13/2007.

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