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Measuring a contract's breadth: A text analysis

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  • Bryan McCannon
  • Joshua Hall
  • Yang Zhou

Abstract

We use a computational linguistic algorithm to measure the topics covered in teacher contracts. Topic modeling metrics are used to assess a contract's expansiveness. Our topic, diversity measurement, is then related to the prevalence of support staff. If more specialized services are provided, then contracts should be broader as they cover more employment relationships. We confirm a strong, statistically significant relationship and, thus, have a valid measurement of contract breadth.

Suggested Citation

  • Bryan McCannon & Joshua Hall & Yang Zhou, 2023. "Measuring a contract's breadth: A text analysis," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 82(1), pages 5-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:82:y:2023:i:1:p:5-14
    DOI: 10.1111/ajes.12486
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    References listed on IDEAS

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