Just saw this story on the BBC website about scientists dispellinng the 'Miserable Monday' myth: "US investigators who looked at a poll of 340,000 people found moods were
no worse on Mondays than other working days, bar Friday." The team analysed data collected by Gallup from telephone interviews.
The BBC story is based on a recent article from the journal Positive Psychology: "Day-of-week mood patterns in the United States: On the existence of ‘Blue Monday’, ‘Thank God it's Friday’ and weekend effects". From reading the abstract, I also noted that the study found no difference between Saturdays and Sundays with respect to mood.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Behavioural Economics and Social Marketing
As well as our evolving research center, the Institute of Social Marketing in Stirling is well-known and their website is here. They are offering the MBA programme in Social Marketing and Behavioural Change and I will be giving one third of a module on social marketing and public policy in 2013. My component will introduce students to behavioural economics and its relevance to social marketing.
The material is structured around four general questions:
1. What is behavioural economics and why is it relevant to social marketing?
2. What are the main concepts in behavioural economics?
3. How has behavioural economics begun to influence debate about public policy?
4. What are the implications for design and evaluation of social marketing campaigns?
I am going to use this post to keep track of useful links that students of this course (and wider readers in social marketing area) might find interesting. The post will evolve throughout the year as I update it. I really welcome suggestions and also some discussion of behavioural economics and social marketing. Marie Briguglio, who is a PhD students at Stirling and part of our center, has a particular interest in this field and many of the links below have been provided by her.
General Links on Behavioural Economics:
A list I compiled of behavioural economics TED talks
Russell Sage Foundation Reading List on Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economics and Social Marketing:
Bertrand, Marianne, Sendhil Mullainathan, and Eldar Shafir. 2006. "Behavioral Economics and Marketing in Aid of Decision Making Among the Poor" Journal of Public Policy and Marketing 25(1): 8- 23.
Benjamin, D., & Laibson, D. (2003). Good Policies For Bad Governments:Behavioral Political Economy. Prepared for Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Behavioral Economics Conference.
Ciriolo, E. (2011). Behavioural economics in the European Commission: past, present and future.
Darnton, A. (2008). Practical Guide: An overview of behaviour change models and their uses. Government Social Research publications.
Dolan, P. et al. (2012). Influencing behaviour: The mindspace way. Journal of Economic Psychology, 33, 264–277.
Gordon, W. (2011). Behavioural economics and qualitative research – a marriage made in heaven? International Journal of Market Research, Vol. 53, Issue 2.
Haynes, L. et al (2012). Test, Learn, Adapt: Developing Public Policy with Randomised Controlled Trials. UK Cabinet Office.
Kamenica, E. et al. (2011). Behavioral Economics and Consumer Regulation: Helping Consumers Know Themselves. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings, 101:3, 417–422.
Lusardi, A. et al. (2009). New Ways to Make People Save: A Social Marketing Approach. NBER Working Paper No. 14715.
Lunn, P. (2012). Behavioural Economics and Policymaking: Learning from the Early Adopters. ESRI Working Paper; 425.
Rothschild, M. (2001). A Few Behavioral Economics Insights for Social Marketers, Social Marketing Quarterly, 7: 8-13.
Sunstein, C. Empirically Informed Regulation.
A talk on BE & SM (Piyush Tantia):
Ogilvy CEO Miles Young on BE & SM in the Huffington Post “Behavioral economics has, in a remarkably short time, provided a new intellectual framework for those of us in marketing and communications. It has fostered a "culture of investigation" into human behavior and decision-making. And it is a new lingua franca for anyone working on behavior change, facilitating communication across disciplines, specialties, and orientations.”
A talk titled "Is Behavioural Economics the new Social marketing":Slide 56 outlines key differences between SM and BE.
UK Policy:
Dolan, P., Hallsworth, M., Halpern, D., King, K. and Vlaev, I. (2010). Mindspace: Influencing behaviorthrough public policy. Cabinet Office: Institute forGovernment.
Houseof Lords Report on Behavioural Change:
UK Cabinet Office: Applying BehaviouralInsights to Health
Newspaper Articles:
Critical piece in the Sunday Times arguing that behavioural economics has little to offer social marketing.
Social Marketing Links:
List of social marketing campaigns on youtube compiled by Marie Brigugilio
Social Marketing Institute examples of campaigns including evaluations
A link to case studies, majority of which Social marketing:
The material is structured around four general questions:
1. What is behavioural economics and why is it relevant to social marketing?
2. What are the main concepts in behavioural economics?
3. How has behavioural economics begun to influence debate about public policy?
4. What are the implications for design and evaluation of social marketing campaigns?
I am going to use this post to keep track of useful links that students of this course (and wider readers in social marketing area) might find interesting. The post will evolve throughout the year as I update it. I really welcome suggestions and also some discussion of behavioural economics and social marketing. Marie Briguglio, who is a PhD students at Stirling and part of our center, has a particular interest in this field and many of the links below have been provided by her.
General Links on Behavioural Economics:
A list I compiled of behavioural economics TED talks
Russell Sage Foundation Reading List on Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economics and Social Marketing:
Bertrand, Marianne, Sendhil Mullainathan, and Eldar Shafir. 2006. "Behavioral Economics and Marketing in Aid of Decision Making Among the Poor" Journal of Public Policy and Marketing 25(1): 8- 23.
Benjamin, D., & Laibson, D. (2003). Good Policies For Bad Governments:Behavioral Political Economy. Prepared for Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Behavioral Economics Conference.
Ciriolo, E. (2011). Behavioural economics in the European Commission: past, present and future.
Darnton, A. (2008). Practical Guide: An overview of behaviour change models and their uses. Government Social Research publications.
Dolan, P. et al. (2012). Influencing behaviour: The mindspace way. Journal of Economic Psychology, 33, 264–277.
Gordon, W. (2011). Behavioural economics and qualitative research – a marriage made in heaven? International Journal of Market Research, Vol. 53, Issue 2.
Haynes, L. et al (2012). Test, Learn, Adapt: Developing Public Policy with Randomised Controlled Trials. UK Cabinet Office.
Kamenica, E. et al. (2011). Behavioral Economics and Consumer Regulation: Helping Consumers Know Themselves. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings, 101:3, 417–422.
Lusardi, A. et al. (2009). New Ways to Make People Save: A Social Marketing Approach. NBER Working Paper No. 14715.
Lunn, P. (2012). Behavioural Economics and Policymaking: Learning from the Early Adopters. ESRI Working Paper; 425.
Rothschild, M. (2001). A Few Behavioral Economics Insights for Social Marketers, Social Marketing Quarterly, 7: 8-13.
Sunstein, C. Empirically Informed Regulation.
A talk on BE & SM (Piyush Tantia):
Ogilvy CEO Miles Young on BE & SM in the Huffington Post “Behavioral economics has, in a remarkably short time, provided a new intellectual framework for those of us in marketing and communications. It has fostered a "culture of investigation" into human behavior and decision-making. And it is a new lingua franca for anyone working on behavior change, facilitating communication across disciplines, specialties, and orientations.”
A talk titled "Is Behavioural Economics the new Social marketing":Slide 56 outlines key differences between SM and BE.
UK Policy:
Dolan, P., Hallsworth, M., Halpern, D., King, K. and Vlaev, I. (2010). Mindspace: Influencing behaviorthrough public policy. Cabinet Office: Institute forGovernment.
Houseof Lords Report on Behavioural Change:
UK Cabinet Office: Applying BehaviouralInsights to Health
Newspaper Articles:
Critical piece in the Sunday Times arguing that behavioural economics has little to offer social marketing.
Social Marketing Links:
List of social marketing campaigns on youtube compiled by Marie Brigugilio
Social Marketing Institute examples of campaigns including evaluations
A link to case studies, majority of which Social marketing:
October 26th Research Group Launch
The third in our series of workshops on Economics, Psychology and Policy takes place from 9am to 5pm on October 26th in the Stirling Cottrell Building. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together researchers working on a range of exciting topics spanning disciplines including economics, psychology, and mathematics. Details of the previous session are here.
Our new Economics and Psychology Research Group will be launched on the day. Our preliminary webpage is here and twitter feed is here. We very much welcome suggestions for developing the group, ideas for collaboration and offers for sponsorship of workshops and events. Please contact lennie(dot)jing(at)stir(dot)ac(dot)uk to register.
Below is the preliminary schedule. This will change markedly over the summer and I am using this post to stimulate off-line discussion about how best to arrange the day.
9.00am -9.30am: Liam Delaney (Stirling) "Measurement-Induced Behavioural Change"
9.30am - 10.15pm: Mirko Moro (Stirling). "Behavioural Economics, Labelling and Energy Decisions"
10.15am - 10.45am: Marie Briguglio (Stirling and Malta). "Voluntary waste separation: policies, politics and promotion.".
10.45am - 11am: Coffee
11am - 11.45am: David Comerford (Stirling): "Polls apart: The Consumer Sentiment Index looks very different when perceived change is measured indirectly"
11.45am - 12.30pm: Michael Daly (Stirling); "Understanding the interrelations between self-control, education, and health behaviour"
12.30pm- 2pm: Lunch
2.00pm - 2.30pm: Launch of Research Center
2.30pm - 3.15pm: Gary Lewis (Stirling) "Origins of social preferences: Insights from behavior genetics and neuroimaging"
3.15pm - 4pm: Alex Wood (Manchester). "Concern for social rank: An integrative account of money, happiness, anchoring, and purchase behaviour"? "
4pm: Keynote Speaker: Professor Stephen Lea (University of Exeter)
Our new Economics and Psychology Research Group will be launched on the day. Our preliminary webpage is here and twitter feed is here. We very much welcome suggestions for developing the group, ideas for collaboration and offers for sponsorship of workshops and events. Please contact lennie(dot)jing(at)stir(dot)ac(dot)uk to register.
Below is the preliminary schedule. This will change markedly over the summer and I am using this post to stimulate off-line discussion about how best to arrange the day.
9.00am -9.30am: Liam Delaney (Stirling) "Measurement-Induced Behavioural Change"
9.30am - 10.15pm: Mirko Moro (Stirling). "Behavioural Economics, Labelling and Energy Decisions"
10.15am - 10.45am: Marie Briguglio (Stirling and Malta). "Voluntary waste separation: policies, politics and promotion.".
10.45am - 11am: Coffee
11am - 11.45am: David Comerford (Stirling): "Polls apart: The Consumer Sentiment Index looks very different when perceived change is measured indirectly"
11.45am - 12.30pm: Michael Daly (Stirling); "Understanding the interrelations between self-control, education, and health behaviour"
12.30pm- 2pm: Lunch
2.00pm - 2.30pm: Launch of Research Center
2.30pm - 3.15pm: Gary Lewis (Stirling) "Origins of social preferences: Insights from behavior genetics and neuroimaging"
3.15pm - 4pm: Alex Wood (Manchester). "Concern for social rank: An integrative account of money, happiness, anchoring, and purchase behaviour"? "
4pm: Keynote Speaker: Professor Stephen Lea (University of Exeter)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Parallel Universe Politics
On The Frontline last night, we had the bizarre spectacle of a socialist TD organising public resistance against a property tax and a Fine Gael TD saying that public funds have to come from somewhere.
Theobald "If the men of property will not support us, they must fall" Wolfe Tone would be spinning in his intellectual grave.
It's fascinating to watch public opinion develop when policy proposals are first introduced. Opinions are much more varied when a policy is not anchored to some norm. There are crucial nuances about double-taxation with respect to stamp duty and so on, but in general property taxes are equitable (rich people pay more) and efficient (low deadweight loss). It's mad to see Marxists/the United Left Alliance argue against property taxes.
I'm looking forward to watching the public debate on taxes evolve. I am also open to taking bets on when the United Left Alliance will change their tune.
Coercive Confinement in Ireland: Patients, Prisoners and Penitents
New book below by Ian O'Donnell and Eoin O'Sullivan. A description by Fintan O'Toole in the Irish Times. Abstract below.
"This book provides an overview of the incarceration of tens of thousands of men, women and children during the first fifty years of Irish independence. Psychiatric hospitals, mother and baby homes, Magdalen homes, Reformatory and Industrial schools, prisons and Borstal formed a network of institutions of coercive confinement that was integral to the emerging state. The book provides a wealth of contemporaneous accounts of what life was like within these austere and forbidding places as well as offering a compelling explanation for the longevity of the system and the reasons for its ultimate decline. While many accounts exist of individual institutions and the factors associated with their operation, this is the first attempt to provide a holistic account of the interlocking range of institutions that dominated the physical landscape and, in many ways, underpinned the rural economy. Highlighting the overlapping roles of church, state and family in the maintenance of these forms of social control, this book will appeal to those interested in understanding twentieth-century Ireland: in particular, historians, legal scholars, criminologists, sociologists and other social scientists. These arguments take on special importance as Irish society continues to grapple with the legacy of its extensive use of institutionalisation."
Ian O'Donnell is Professor of Criminology at University College Dublin and Adjunct Fellow of Linacre College, Oxford Eoin O Sullivan is Head of the School of Social Work and Social Policy and Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin
"This book provides an overview of the incarceration of tens of thousands of men, women and children during the first fifty years of Irish independence. Psychiatric hospitals, mother and baby homes, Magdalen homes, Reformatory and Industrial schools, prisons and Borstal formed a network of institutions of coercive confinement that was integral to the emerging state. The book provides a wealth of contemporaneous accounts of what life was like within these austere and forbidding places as well as offering a compelling explanation for the longevity of the system and the reasons for its ultimate decline. While many accounts exist of individual institutions and the factors associated with their operation, this is the first attempt to provide a holistic account of the interlocking range of institutions that dominated the physical landscape and, in many ways, underpinned the rural economy. Highlighting the overlapping roles of church, state and family in the maintenance of these forms of social control, this book will appeal to those interested in understanding twentieth-century Ireland: in particular, historians, legal scholars, criminologists, sociologists and other social scientists. These arguments take on special importance as Irish society continues to grapple with the legacy of its extensive use of institutionalisation."
Ian O'Donnell is Professor of Criminology at University College Dublin and Adjunct Fellow of Linacre College, Oxford Eoin O Sullivan is Head of the School of Social Work and Social Policy and Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin
Friday, September 21, 2012
Life Expectancy for Low Education Groups in the US is Worsening
It is well known that there are significant socioeconomic gradients in mortality and morbidity, and there is a
substantial literature on this subject. Nevertheless, there are many people who
do not seem to find these trends concerning. Or at least, not concerning enough
for society to act upon. Whatever about increasing relative differences, it is quite a
different matter to see increases in actual mortality rates.
Especially in a country like the US, and especially given the recent
substantial increases in (average) life expectancy. This deserves more coverage
and should be seen in the context of the similar pattern in real wages for
certain groups.
The following NYT Article discusses the issue. The abstract for the article being cited is below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/21/us/life-expectancy-for-less-educated-whites-in-us-is-shrinking.html?hp
Differences In Life Expectancy Due To Race And Educational Differences Are Widening, And Many May Not Catch Up
The following NYT Article discusses the issue. The abstract for the article being cited is below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/21/us/life-expectancy-for-less-educated-whites-in-us-is-shrinking.html?hp
Differences In Life Expectancy Due To Race And Educational Differences Are Widening, And Many May Not Catch Up
Health Affairs, August 2012, vol. 31 no. 8, 1803-1813
http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/31/8/1803.abstract
http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/31/8/1803.abstract
S. Jay Olshansky, Toni Antonucci, Lisa Berkman, Robert H. Binstock, Axel Boersch-Supan, John T. Cacioppo, Bruce A. Carnes, Laura L. Carstensen, Linda P. Fried, Dana P. Goldman, James Jackson, Martin Kohli, John Rother, Yuhui Zheng, John Rowe
Abstract
It has long been known that despite well-documented improvements in longevity for most Americans, alarming disparities persist among racial groups and between the well-educated and those with less education. In this article we update estimates of the impact of race and education on past and present life expectancy, examine trends in disparities from 1990 through 2008, and place observed disparities in the context of a rapidly aging society that is emerging at a time of optimism about the next revolution in longevity. We found that in 2008 US adult men and women with fewer than twelve years of education had life expectancies not much better than those of all adults in the 1950s and 1960s. When race and education are combined, the disparity is even more striking. In 2008 white US men and women with 16 years or more of schooling had life expectancies far greater than black Americans with fewer than 12 years of education—14.2 years more for white men than black men, and 10.3 years more for white women than black women. These gaps have widened over time and have led to at least two “Americas,” if not multiple others, in terms of life expectancy, demarcated by level of education and racial-group membership. The message for policy makers is clear: implement educational enhancements at young, middle, and older ages for people of all races, to reduce the large gap in health and longevity that persists today.
It has long been known that despite well-documented improvements in longevity for most Americans, alarming disparities persist among racial groups and between the well-educated and those with less education. In this article we update estimates of the impact of race and education on past and present life expectancy, examine trends in disparities from 1990 through 2008, and place observed disparities in the context of a rapidly aging society that is emerging at a time of optimism about the next revolution in longevity. We found that in 2008 US adult men and women with fewer than twelve years of education had life expectancies not much better than those of all adults in the 1950s and 1960s. When race and education are combined, the disparity is even more striking. In 2008 white US men and women with 16 years or more of schooling had life expectancies far greater than black Americans with fewer than 12 years of education—14.2 years more for white men than black men, and 10.3 years more for white women than black women. These gaps have widened over time and have led to at least two “Americas,” if not multiple others, in terms of life expectancy, demarcated by level of education and racial-group membership. The message for policy makers is clear: implement educational enhancements at young, middle, and older ages for people of all races, to reduce the large gap in health and longevity that persists today.
Coursera courses researchers here might find useful
We've posted a lot here about Coursera and other online higher education platforms. I certainly believe these courses should be a part of the training and research environment of our evolving research center. I dont believe these courses are a substitute for a full-year MA programme in a relevant discipline in a good university (that might change). However, I think they offer a remarkable opportunity to develop or refresh important skills and learn about domains that are important to our work here. I will certainly be talking to any graduate student or RA I am working with about which of these might be useful. Below are some pointers for now. Would be interested to talk to people offline about what they have found useful or not so useful.
1. The course on scientific writing starts next week. I really recommend this to anyone. It might be particularly useful for people with very strong quantitative skills but who find report and paper-writing difficult.
2. The course on principles of obesity economics should be valuable for people working on health economics and related topics. Similarly, there are a number of courses on public health such as this one that may be useful to people working on health topics.
3. Psychology graduates who want to get the basics of economics and finance should look at some of the introductory courses under the economics section.
4. I am not sure it's aimed at graduate student level but I am sure Dan Ariely's course on behavioural economics will be worth following for a number of reasons, including to learn from how he communicates complex topics.
5. The course "Computing for Data Analysis" also looks very useful for people working with R and related statistical packages.
1. The course on scientific writing starts next week. I really recommend this to anyone. It might be particularly useful for people with very strong quantitative skills but who find report and paper-writing difficult.
2. The course on principles of obesity economics should be valuable for people working on health economics and related topics. Similarly, there are a number of courses on public health such as this one that may be useful to people working on health topics.
3. Psychology graduates who want to get the basics of economics and finance should look at some of the introductory courses under the economics section.
4. I am not sure it's aimed at graduate student level but I am sure Dan Ariely's course on behavioural economics will be worth following for a number of reasons, including to learn from how he communicates complex topics.
5. The course "Computing for Data Analysis" also looks very useful for people working with R and related statistical packages.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Note about upcoming events
This note focuses on events associated with the economics, psychology and policy research stream. Our twitter page is available here for regular updates. Please email stireconpsych@stir.ac.uk if you would like to be automatically added to our mailing list. We will also have a regular weekly internal meeting to which we will invite people who wish to present or discuss ideas with the group of researchers developing here.
1. The next workshop will be on October 26th, at which the new group will be formally launched.
2. Along with the ESRI and Geary Institute, we will have a workshop on behavioural economics and public policy in Dublin on November 30th.
3. The annual Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics workshop will be in Crieff again in January. PhD students in Economics researching here should be aware of that.
4. Two workshops are in preparation for 2013, one in February and one in June. They will be one-day sessions along the lines of the series to date. I strongly encourage people who are researching in the UK/EU who read this blog and are interested in collaborating to think of ideas for presenting in Stirling. The themes of these workshops are broadly valuation, decision-making, well-being and mental health. We aim to encourage work at the overlap of economics, psychology and cognate disciplines. Policymakers and people working in business are welcome to attend and participate in discussions.
5. We are co-organising a one-day event on youth unemployment in conjunction with the Scottish Government Policy Forum and Scottish Economic Society. This will take place on October 9th.
6. Our online book and journal club series will recommence soon also.
1. The next workshop will be on October 26th, at which the new group will be formally launched.
2. Along with the ESRI and Geary Institute, we will have a workshop on behavioural economics and public policy in Dublin on November 30th.
3. The annual Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics workshop will be in Crieff again in January. PhD students in Economics researching here should be aware of that.
4. Two workshops are in preparation for 2013, one in February and one in June. They will be one-day sessions along the lines of the series to date. I strongly encourage people who are researching in the UK/EU who read this blog and are interested in collaborating to think of ideas for presenting in Stirling. The themes of these workshops are broadly valuation, decision-making, well-being and mental health. We aim to encourage work at the overlap of economics, psychology and cognate disciplines. Policymakers and people working in business are welcome to attend and participate in discussions.
5. We are co-organising a one-day event on youth unemployment in conjunction with the Scottish Government Policy Forum and Scottish Economic Society. This will take place on October 9th.
6. Our online book and journal club series will recommence soon also.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Youtube Playlist on Behavioural Economics
Marie Briguglio is putting together a youtube playlist on behavioural economics. The link is here Suggestions very welcome.
Mark McGovern and Alan Fernihough
Congratulations to Mark McGovern, who regularly posts here, on passing his viva defence in UCD last Friday. Mark is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Center for Population and Development. Congratulations also to Alan Fernihough who also recently passed his viva defence in UCD. Alan often contributed here also and is currently working on a major ERC project with Professor Kevin O'Rourke formerly of TCD and now Oxford.
Photo
I like this photo from our recent masterclass with Professor Chris Timmins. As can be seen, I am imparting my wisdom to my colleague Stephan Heblich. The smile on his face reveals his gratitude that I have been able to successfully explain a complex construct to him in a very elegant fashion.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Upcoming SIRE Workshops and Events
Below is from SIRE mailing list:
Below a reminder for the forthcoming events for which delegate spaces are available - please refer to the individual announcements on how to sign up.
SIRE MFLR Workshop on Regional Economics: 28 September in Dundee
The next "Regional Economic Policy" Workshop & Policy Forum is to be held in the River Rooms, Tower Building 9th Floor, between 9.30-17.00. This one day event will have, in addition to the Dundee team led by Professor John Dewhurst, four invited speakers: Philip McCann, Bjarne Madsen, Eduardo Castro and Geoffrey Hewings.
A Policy Forum on Regional Economic Policy is planned for the afternoon, with discussions led by a Representative from the Scottish Government and Philip McCann.
If you wish to attend this event, please contact a.z.bhattacharjee@dundee.ac.uk
Travel expenses will be provided on a first approached basis.
Download programme
SIRE BIC mini-conference on 6 October 2012 in Edinburgh
SIRE is pleased to announce the final programme for the BIC ‘Theory’ conference to be held on Saturday 6 October, in the Faculty Room South, David Hume Tower at the University of Edinburgh.
Guest speakers include Klaus Schmidt (Munich) and Olivier Compte (PSE) with additional contributions by S. Sánchez-Pagés (U. Barcelona/UoE), M. Costa-Gomes (Aberdeen), M. Mueller-Frank (Oxford), N. Vikander (UoE), G. Gerasimou (St. Andrews) and P. Kircher (UoE). The closing remarks will be offered by John Moore.
To book a space, please visit http://tinyurl.com/cma42pe before 1st of October 2012.
Download programme
Health Economics Research Unit (HERU) on 10 October 2012 In Aberdeen
The Health Economics Research Unit (HERU) is pleased to welcome Professor Pierre-Yves Geoffard from the Paris School of Economics. Professor Geoffard will be delivering a seminar on the measurement of inequalities in health. This is a topic of specific interest to various research teams working in Scotland, and figures as a prominent area of interest in Aberdeen and Dundee amongst other departments and research centres.
The event will be held at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) Building, Level 5, Foresterhill, Aberdeen. AB25 2ZD from 1-3pm. Please note: booking for this event is not required.
David Hume Institute
The DHI have announced the Autumn Seminar programme and Annual Lecture 2012, to be held in Edinburgh:
· 4/10/2012: Robert Black: Unlocking the Potential in Scotland's Public Services
· 16/10/2012: John Kay: Finance in which People Matter
· 22/10/2012: Hume Annual Lecture 2012 - Sir Ian Byatt: Instinct or Analysis; options for Scotland?
· 29 /10/2012: Richard Ackroyd (Scottish Water) Peter Reekie (Scottish Futures Forum) and Gary Gillespie (Scottish Government)
· 13/11/2012: Patrick Honahan, Governor, Central Bank of Ireland. This event is sponsored by SIRE
· 19/11/2012: Hamish McRae on ‘macro-economic policy aspects, including exchange rate, fiscal and monetary policy and financial sector regulation’
SIRE has a limited number of free spaces for academics based in Scotland.
Please e-mail info@sire.ac.uk ASAP with details of the seminar you are interested.
All announcements are on http://www.sire.ac.uk/news/
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Contracts with people with self-control problems
A common problem is to set commitments with people who dont have full self-control (including ourselves). There is a long literature on self-commitments and I will summarise this at a later stage. Another emerging literature is how to set incentives to maximise the likelihood of a good outcome when the other party has self-control problems. I will use this post to summarise relevant papers on this issue. There are several areas where this is relevant, including how to set assessments in modules to maximise student performance, how to collaborate with co-authors, how to set debt and wage contracts more generally. A well-cited paper by Ariely and Wertenbroch showed that forcing students to submit assignments in evenly spaced intervals rather than giving them choice across the whole module interval substantially increased test scores. The paper below by Mullainathan et al demonstrates a significant role for self-control and commitment in worker productivity and points towards a role for commitment clauses in contracts even when such contracts are strictly dominated by contracts not containing them. Suggestions welcome on other areas this is relevant and papers to include.
References:
Ariely, Dan; Wertenbroch, Klaus (2002), "Procrastination, Deadlines, and Performance: Self-Control by Precommitment", Psychological Science 13 (3): 219–224,doi:10.1111/1467-9280.00441, PMID 12009041
Mullainathan, S, Kaur S, Kremer M. 2011. Self-Control at Work: Evidence from a Field Experiment.
Thaler, R.H., and H.M. Shefrin. 1981. “An Economic Theory of Self-Control,” Journal of
Political Economy. 89: 392-406.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Early-Life Health and Adult Circumstance in Developing Countries
Early-Life Health and Adult Circumstance in Developing Countries
Janet Currie, Tom Vogl
NBER Working Paper No. 18371
Issued in September 2012
NBER Program(s): AG CH HC HE LS
A growing literature documents the links between long-term outcomes and health in the fetal period, infancy, and early childhood. Much of this literature focuses on rich countries, but researchers are increasingly taking advantage of new sources of data and identification to study the long reach of childhood health in developing countries. Health in early life may be a more significant determinant of adult outcomes in these countries because health insults are more frequent, the capacity to remediate is more limited, and multiple shocks may interact. However, the underlying relationships may also be more difficult to measure, given significant mortality selection. We survey recent evidence on the adult correlates of early-life health and the long-term effects of shocks due to disease, famine, malnutrition, pollution, and war.
Janet Currie, Tom Vogl
NBER Working Paper No. 18371
Issued in September 2012
NBER Program(s): AG CH HC HE LS
A growing literature documents the links between long-term outcomes and health in the fetal period, infancy, and early childhood. Much of this literature focuses on rich countries, but researchers are increasingly taking advantage of new sources of data and identification to study the long reach of childhood health in developing countries. Health in early life may be a more significant determinant of adult outcomes in these countries because health insults are more frequent, the capacity to remediate is more limited, and multiple shocks may interact. However, the underlying relationships may also be more difficult to measure, given significant mortality selection. We survey recent evidence on the adult correlates of early-life health and the long-term effects of shocks due to disease, famine, malnutrition, pollution, and war.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Good Practice on PhD Programmes
This is another developing post relating to center activities. It will evolve over the course of the year.
Best Practices in Yale Graduate Programs. (2011)
William G. Roy (2003). Excellence in Graduate Education: Programmatic Issues. (UCLA)
Council of Graduate Schools website (US).
Council of Graduate Schools: Promising Practices for increasing PhD Completion. Also, Phd Completion website and Preparing Graduate Students for Global Careers.
Irish Universities Quality Board (2009). Good Practice in the Organisation of PhD Programmes in Irish Higher Education
How to Mentor Graduate Students. Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan.
Jeff Johnston (Vanderbilt University): Mentoring Graduate Students.
University of Washington: Good Practice in Graduate Education
Best Practices in Yale Graduate Programs. (2011)
William G. Roy (2003). Excellence in Graduate Education: Programmatic Issues. (UCLA)
Council of Graduate Schools website (US).
Council of Graduate Schools: Promising Practices for increasing PhD Completion. Also, Phd Completion website and Preparing Graduate Students for Global Careers.
Irish Universities Quality Board (2009). Good Practice in the Organisation of PhD Programmes in Irish Higher Education
How to Mentor Graduate Students. Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan.
Jeff Johnston (Vanderbilt University): Mentoring Graduate Students.
University of Washington: Good Practice in Graduate Education
Colm Harmon Effective Economic Policy
Below is Colm Harmon making the case for effective economic policy as part of a Sydney series on what the Australian public should care about.
Adam Curtis - Prisoners Dilemma
Ken McKenzie first introduced me to the documentaries of Adam Curtis. In particular, Ken made heavy use of Curtis's classic Century of the Self in his political psychology courses in Trinity. Below is a classic clip from the "F**k You Buddy" episode of another classic programme of Curtis called "The Trap". The clip gives an illustration of the Prisoners' Dilemma and its place at the heart of understanding social interactions in the Cold War era. Many of Curtis' documentaries deal with conceptualisations of human rationality and behaviour throughout the last 100 years and how these conceptualises drove political designs.
Behavioural Economics, Psychological Distress and Youth Unemployment
I will be giving a talk soon to an Scottish Government forum on behavioural economics, psychological distress and youth unemployment. I am using this page to maintain a set of links and resources that I will send to the audience for information.
General:
Babcock et al (2010): Notes on Behavioral Economics and Labor Market Policy
Well-Being and Unemployment:
The work of Krueger and Muller is very important for connecting well-being, time-use and unemployment.
Krueger and Muller (2011): Job Search and Job Finding in a Period ofMass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data
Krueger and Muller (2012): Time Use, Emotional Well-Being, and Unemployment: Evidence from Longitudinal Data
Krueger and Muller (2012) : THE LOT OF THE UNEMPLOYED: A TIME USE PERSPECTIVE
Bjarnaso, Thoroddur and Sigurdardotti Thordis (2003). Psychological distress during unemployment and beyond: social support and material deprivation among youth in six northern European countries. Social Science & Medicine, 56, 973–985.
Creed, Peter & Reynolds, Judith (2001). Economic deprivation, experiential deprivation and social loneliness in unemployed and employed youth. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. Volume 11, Issue 3, pages 167–178.
Flatau, Paul, Galea,June, Petridis, Ray (2000). Mental Health and Wellbeing and Unemployment. Australian Economic Review, Volume 33, Issue 2, pages 161–181.
Julkunen, Isle (2001). Coping and Mental Well-being among Unemployed Youth—A Northern European Perspective. Journal of Youth Studies
Volume 4, Issue 3.
McKee-Ryan, F. et al (2005). Psychological and Physical Well-Being During Unemployment: A Meta-Analytic Study. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 90, No. 1, 53–76.
Winefield, A. (2002). Unemployment, Underemployment, Occupational Stress and Psychological Well-Being. Australian Journal of Management, vol. 27 no. 1 suppl, 137-148.
Unemployment Policy:
David Bell and Danny Blanchflower have written a number of papers on unemployment and its connection to well-being.
Bell and Blanchflower (2011) What should be done about rising unemployment in the UK?
Bell and Blanchflower (2009) Youth Unemployment:m Déjà Vu?
Bell, David, and Blanchflower, David (2010). UK Unemployment in the Great Recession. National Institute Economic Review.
Bell, David, and Blanchflower, David (2010). Youth Unemployment in Europe and the United States. IZA DP No. 5673.
Fougere, Denis et al (2009). Youth Unemployment and Crime in France. IZA Discussion Paper.
Gomez-Salvador, Ramon, and Leiner-Killinger, Nadine (2008). An Analysis of Youth Unemployment in the Euro Area. European Central Bank Occasional Paper series No 89.
Roberts, Gareth (2011). Youth employment in South Africa and the persistence of inflated expectations.
Coy, Peter (2011). The Youth Unemployment Time Bomb. Business Week.
Banks, James et al (2010). Releasing jobs for the young? Early retirement and youth unemployment in the United Kingdom. IFS Working Papers.
Scarpetta, Sonnet and Manfredi (2010). Rising Youth Unemployment During the Crisis: How to Prevent Negative Long-Term Consequences on a Generation? OECD Socoal, Employment and Migration Papers, no. 106.
Matsuba, M. et al (2008). Employment Training for At-risk Youth: A Program Evaluation Focusing on Changes in Psychological Well-being.
Child and Youth Care Forum, Volume 37, Number 1, 15-26.
Scottish Work:
Subjective Well-Being in Scotland
Youth Unemployment: Key Facts
General:
Babcock et al (2010): Notes on Behavioral Economics and Labor Market Policy
Well-Being and Unemployment:
The work of Krueger and Muller is very important for connecting well-being, time-use and unemployment.
Krueger and Muller (2011): Job Search and Job Finding in a Period ofMass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data
Krueger and Muller (2012): Time Use, Emotional Well-Being, and Unemployment: Evidence from Longitudinal Data
Krueger and Muller (2012) : THE LOT OF THE UNEMPLOYED: A TIME USE PERSPECTIVE
Bjarnaso, Thoroddur and Sigurdardotti Thordis (2003). Psychological distress during unemployment and beyond: social support and material deprivation among youth in six northern European countries. Social Science & Medicine, 56, 973–985.
Creed, Peter & Reynolds, Judith (2001). Economic deprivation, experiential deprivation and social loneliness in unemployed and employed youth. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. Volume 11, Issue 3, pages 167–178.
Flatau, Paul, Galea,June, Petridis, Ray (2000). Mental Health and Wellbeing and Unemployment. Australian Economic Review, Volume 33, Issue 2, pages 161–181.
Julkunen, Isle (2001). Coping and Mental Well-being among Unemployed Youth—A Northern European Perspective. Journal of Youth Studies
Volume 4, Issue 3.
McKee-Ryan, F. et al (2005). Psychological and Physical Well-Being During Unemployment: A Meta-Analytic Study. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 90, No. 1, 53–76.
Winefield, A. (2002). Unemployment, Underemployment, Occupational Stress and Psychological Well-Being. Australian Journal of Management, vol. 27 no. 1 suppl, 137-148.
Unemployment Policy:
David Bell and Danny Blanchflower have written a number of papers on unemployment and its connection to well-being.
Bell and Blanchflower (2011) What should be done about rising unemployment in the UK?
Bell and Blanchflower (2009) Youth Unemployment:m Déjà Vu?
Bell, David, and Blanchflower, David (2010). UK Unemployment in the Great Recession. National Institute Economic Review.
Bell, David, and Blanchflower, David (2010). Youth Unemployment in Europe and the United States. IZA DP No. 5673.
Fougere, Denis et al (2009). Youth Unemployment and Crime in France. IZA Discussion Paper.
Gomez-Salvador, Ramon, and Leiner-Killinger, Nadine (2008). An Analysis of Youth Unemployment in the Euro Area. European Central Bank Occasional Paper series No 89.
Roberts, Gareth (2011). Youth employment in South Africa and the persistence of inflated expectations.
Coy, Peter (2011). The Youth Unemployment Time Bomb. Business Week.
Banks, James et al (2010). Releasing jobs for the young? Early retirement and youth unemployment in the United Kingdom. IFS Working Papers.
Scarpetta, Sonnet and Manfredi (2010). Rising Youth Unemployment During the Crisis: How to Prevent Negative Long-Term Consequences on a Generation? OECD Socoal, Employment and Migration Papers, no. 106.
Matsuba, M. et al (2008). Employment Training for At-risk Youth: A Program Evaluation Focusing on Changes in Psychological Well-being.
Child and Youth Care Forum, Volume 37, Number 1, 15-26.
Scottish Work:
Subjective Well-Being in Scotland
Youth Unemployment: Key Facts
Saturday, September 08, 2012
2013 Royal Economic Society Annual Conference
The 2013 Conference will be held at Royal Holloway University of London, 3 to 5 April 2013. Full details
Call for Papers: submissions are now invited. The deadline is 14th October 2012. More
Economic Journal Conference Volume 2013 - The Economic Journal Conference Volume is published once a year in May. The conference volume is edited by the main Editorial Board of The Economic Journal.
Call for Papers: submissions are now invited. The deadline is 14th October 2012. More
Economic Journal Conference Volume 2013 - The Economic Journal Conference Volume is published once a year in May. The conference volume is edited by the main Editorial Board of The Economic Journal.
Weekend Links 8th September
This weekend's links.
1. Summary by Constantin Gurdgiev of new paper on link between debt and mental health
2. CourseRa potentially moving to next level of allowing people to do exams in testing centers There really should be more discussion about this in traditional universities. I really cannot envisage a world where these models will fundamentally disrupt the Oxfords of the world. But they are clearly evolving to a point where many of the stock courses provided by standard universities may have serious competition. This would be a good thing for students and the wider world but it is something that universities need to prepare for or suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of a technological shift.
3. Article in Times Higher on academic writing aimed at wider world. Communicating to real people. How dare he.
4. Why academics should blog.
5. Curing What Ails Us: How the Lessons of Behavioral Economics Can Improve Health Care Markets. Conclusion of paper: "An approach that recognizes the confusion that often surrounds health care purchases and the need to build social trust between doctors and patients, and one that seeks to empower consumers rather than overwhelm them, is the only way for health care reform ultimately to succeed in its mission to both expand access and reduce costs".
6. Real Social Science: Applied Phronesis. Bent Flyvbjerg, Landman and Schram, (eds.). Cambridge University Press. April 2012. Review on LSE Review of Books.
1. Summary by Constantin Gurdgiev of new paper on link between debt and mental health
2. CourseRa potentially moving to next level of allowing people to do exams in testing centers There really should be more discussion about this in traditional universities. I really cannot envisage a world where these models will fundamentally disrupt the Oxfords of the world. But they are clearly evolving to a point where many of the stock courses provided by standard universities may have serious competition. This would be a good thing for students and the wider world but it is something that universities need to prepare for or suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of a technological shift.
3. Article in Times Higher on academic writing aimed at wider world. Communicating to real people. How dare he.
4. Why academics should blog.
5. Curing What Ails Us: How the Lessons of Behavioral Economics Can Improve Health Care Markets. Conclusion of paper: "An approach that recognizes the confusion that often surrounds health care purchases and the need to build social trust between doctors and patients, and one that seeks to empower consumers rather than overwhelm them, is the only way for health care reform ultimately to succeed in its mission to both expand access and reduce costs".
6. Real Social Science: Applied Phronesis. Bent Flyvbjerg, Landman and Schram, (eds.). Cambridge University Press. April 2012. Review on LSE Review of Books.
7. Credit Default Swap rates were frequently rolled out as indicators of impending Armageddon during the financial crisis. A new paper on what drives these rates.
8. Uk Department of Work and Pensions paper on who will benefit most from autoenrolment. I am excited to see this policy being rolled out and looking forward to the 2014 roll out in Ireland. If rolled out well, it offers the potential to provide a measure of long-term financial stability to a group of workers who have never traditionally saved for retirement.
9. British Journal of Psychiatry article on the potential of minimum alcohol pricing policy.
10. Irish Times article on life in an unemployment hotspot in Limerick
11. List of behavioral economics NBER Working Papers
12. Details of the new Marginal Revolution University initiative
13. Rob Hardcastle "How can we incentivise pension saving? A behavioural perspective"
10. Irish Times article on life in an unemployment hotspot in Limerick
11. List of behavioral economics NBER Working Papers
12. Details of the new Marginal Revolution University initiative
13. Rob Hardcastle "How can we incentivise pension saving? A behavioural perspective"
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Join the Behavioural Insights Team in the Cabinet Office/Number 10
4 vacancies with the UK Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team. Details below and more details at this link. Dr. David Halpern, who runs the unit, will speak at our event co-organised with ESRI in Dublin on November 30th.
"Join the Behavioural Insights Team in the Cabinet Office/Number 10
The Behavioural Insights Team (more commonly referred to as the Nudge Unit) was set up in 2010 to help apply behavioural economics and behavioural psychology to public policy in the UK. It is generally regarded as one of the most innovative parts of the UK Government.
Having built a small, high performing team within the Cabinet Office, we are now looking to build our capacity in response to the growing demand across the public sector. We are looking to recruit up to 4 candidates.
Successful candidates will need to show that they:
1. have a good understanding of the behavioural science literature
2. have an understanding and ideally ability to conduct randomised controlled trials to test policy interventions; and
3. are highly motivated individuals capable of developing innovative solutions to often complex policy problems.
4. are strong team players
Candidates should be prepared to work on potentially any aspect of government or wider public sector policy. For example, over the past year the team has led work on health, energy, fraud, electoral registration, charitable giving, consumer affairs, the labour market, and access to finance for SMEs.
We would welcome applications from individuals looking to join the team on a part-time basis, for example while finishing PhDs.
Joining Cabinet Office – Flexible Resourcing and Development (FRD)
Joining us means you become part of the Cabinet Office Flexible Resourcing arrangements, the benefits of which include an opportunity to work in an organisation where the emphasis is placed on development as well as delivery, helping ensure people get the most out of the experience during their time with us.
In addition to working on interesting and challenging project work you will also get a dedicated development manager and join one of our 9 development streams. You will be actively encouraged and supporting to think about your development plan and share your skills, experience and expertise with others. "
"Join the Behavioural Insights Team in the Cabinet Office/Number 10
The Behavioural Insights Team (more commonly referred to as the Nudge Unit) was set up in 2010 to help apply behavioural economics and behavioural psychology to public policy in the UK. It is generally regarded as one of the most innovative parts of the UK Government.
Having built a small, high performing team within the Cabinet Office, we are now looking to build our capacity in response to the growing demand across the public sector. We are looking to recruit up to 4 candidates.
Successful candidates will need to show that they:
1. have a good understanding of the behavioural science literature
2. have an understanding and ideally ability to conduct randomised controlled trials to test policy interventions; and
3. are highly motivated individuals capable of developing innovative solutions to often complex policy problems.
4. are strong team players
Candidates should be prepared to work on potentially any aspect of government or wider public sector policy. For example, over the past year the team has led work on health, energy, fraud, electoral registration, charitable giving, consumer affairs, the labour market, and access to finance for SMEs.
We would welcome applications from individuals looking to join the team on a part-time basis, for example while finishing PhDs.
Joining Cabinet Office – Flexible Resourcing and Development (FRD)
Joining us means you become part of the Cabinet Office Flexible Resourcing arrangements, the benefits of which include an opportunity to work in an organisation where the emphasis is placed on development as well as delivery, helping ensure people get the most out of the experience during their time with us.
In addition to working on interesting and challenging project work you will also get a dedicated development manager and join one of our 9 development streams. You will be actively encouraged and supporting to think about your development plan and share your skills, experience and expertise with others. "
Population Association of America – Call for Papers
Dear PAA Colleagues,
Reminder – The deadline for submissions for the PAA 2013 Annual Meeting is September 21, 2012. The PAA Annual Meeting will be held April 11-13, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Call for Papers (PDF) is posted on the 2013 Annual Meeting Program Website. Submissions are made online.
Information is also posted for:
Travel Awards
Member-Initiated Meetings
Advertisements, Book displays and Exhibits
The PAA Board of Directors wishes to encourage broad participation in the Annual Meeting. If you would like to serve as a session Chair or Discussant at the 2013 Annual Meeting, please indicate your interest by sending an email to stephanie@popassoc.org.
In order to appear on the program, presenters must register for the meeting. Registration fees are posted on the PAA website. Registration will open in January 2013.
Check the PAA website throughout the year for updated meeting information.
Thank you,
PAA 2013 Annual Meeting Services
Session Topics:
Fertility, Family Planning, Sexual Behavior, and Reproductive Health
Marriage, Family, Households, and Unions
Children and Youth
Health and Mortality
Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Migration and Population Distribution
Economy, Labor Force, Education, and Inequality
Population, Development, and Environment
Population and Aging
Data and Methods
Applied Demography
Details:
http://paa2013.princeton.edu/
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Vacancies in Sydney School of Economics
The School of Economics at the University of Sydney invites applications for up to two Lecturer (equivalent of Assistant Professor in North America) positions.
For one position outstanding candidates in econometrics are encouraged to apply. For the second position, we are particularly interested in outstanding candidates with research interests which complement the School's existing areas of strength, specifically behavioral, public, health, welfare, or environmental economics (in particular from an applied perspective).
Successful applicants will be available to commence employment by July 2013 ideally, but this may be negotiated.
Applications are accepted electronically - see below for instructions.
For information about the School of Economics visit http://sydney.edu.au/arts/economics
For one position outstanding candidates in econometrics are encouraged to apply. For the second position, we are particularly interested in outstanding candidates with research interests which complement the School's existing areas of strength, specifically behavioral, public, health, welfare, or environmental economics (in particular from an applied perspective).
Successful applicants will be available to commence employment by July 2013 ideally, but this may be negotiated.
Applications are accepted electronically - see below for instructions.
For information about the School of Economics visit http://sydney.edu.au/arts/economics
Weekend Links Start of September
1. Fascinating article with a recovering drug addict about his upbringing and life. "Fr Peter McVerry, the social justice campaigner, calls them “disaster childhoods”: chaotic homes with drug-addicted parents, rife with violence and neglect, where the children might stay out on the street to avoid hassle at home."
2. The Economist on the mystery of the Glasgow health effect.
3. The Economist again on the attraction of solitude
4. Gary King and Maya Sen on using social science research to improve teaching
5. Advice from WSJ for undergraduates on how to set themselves up for job market more effectively. Some of these tips are very useful and not very time-consuming. Certainly, everyone should learn how to write a professional cover letter, consider taking internships in the career areas they are interested in, develop their CV and so on.
6. Marginal Revolution on personal poverty coaches
7. The Grand Challenges of the Economic and Social Sciences
8. 5 design tricks facebook use to affect your privacy decisions
9. John Considine's paper on using Yes Minister to teach public choice theory. Yes Minister was an English comedy set around the relationship between senior civil servants and their Minister (later Prime Minister). It is brilliant. The BBC have placed many clips on youtube to give you a feel for it.
2. The Economist on the mystery of the Glasgow health effect.
3. The Economist again on the attraction of solitude
4. Gary King and Maya Sen on using social science research to improve teaching
5. Advice from WSJ for undergraduates on how to set themselves up for job market more effectively. Some of these tips are very useful and not very time-consuming. Certainly, everyone should learn how to write a professional cover letter, consider taking internships in the career areas they are interested in, develop their CV and so on.
6. Marginal Revolution on personal poverty coaches
7. The Grand Challenges of the Economic and Social Sciences
8. 5 design tricks facebook use to affect your privacy decisions
9. John Considine's paper on using Yes Minister to teach public choice theory. Yes Minister was an English comedy set around the relationship between senior civil servants and their Minister (later Prime Minister). It is brilliant. The BBC have placed many clips on youtube to give you a feel for it.
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