Skill uncertainty and social inference
By: by Robert J. Oxoby.
Series: Discussion paper -- no. 2567; Discussion paper (Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit : Online) -- no. 2567
Publisher: IZA
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Bonn, Germany
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Subjects: Vocational guidance -- Psychological aspects.
Description: "Research in psychology indicates that individuals often make inferences regarding unknown individual qualities based on potentially irrelevant (but socially observable) information. This paper explores occupational choices when individuals receive imprecise signals regarding ability and use the observable characteristics of previously successful individuals to infer own ability. Individuals who fail to observe successful predecessors of their same type may underestimate their potential for success in the occupation. We discuss the role of these biases in light of the literature on affirmative action and firm incentives"--Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 3/21/2007.

Includes bibliographical references.

Also available in print.

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Mode of access: World Wide Web.