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Acquiring Knowledge over the Economist’s Lifetime

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  • Hendrik P. van Dalen

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam and NIDI, The Hague)

Abstract

In this paper the reading behaviour of economists is examined to see whether particular typesof knowledge - basic and applied - imply different investment patterns. As it turns out, thereading intensity of advanced theoretical and empirical literature declines with three to fourpercent per year of experience, although researchers and economists with a mathematicalbackground start with a higher initial stock of knowledge of this type of literature. Businessand government economists concentrate on applied literature and news magazines; a type ofliterature which is not frequently read by mathematical economists. However, themathematical economists catch up with their non-mathematical colleagues in 12 to 15 yearstime. Furthermore, the introduction of graduate schools in Dutch academia has not broughtabout a fundamental change in reading habits. The biggest factor in explaining the divergencein reading behaviour among economists remains the mathematical, c.q. econometricsbackground in undergraduate training.

Suggested Citation

  • Hendrik P. van Dalen, 1997. "Acquiring Knowledge over the Economist’s Lifetime," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 97-124/1, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:19970124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lovell, Michael C, 1973. "The Production of Economic Literature: An Interpretation," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 11(1), pages 27-55, March.
    2. Sharon M. Oster & Daniel S. Hamermesh, 1998. "Aging And Productivity Among Economists," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 80(1), pages 154-156, February.
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