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Learning in Creative Tasks: Evidence from a Digital Platform

Author

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  • Jiatong Zhong

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

This paper explores learning-by-doing in the context of creative tasks using detailed data on fiction writers from a digital publishing platform. I construct measures to quantify authors’ performance over time and document significant variation in both starting levels and rates of improvement. Learning manifests as an improvement in quality instead of the speed of production. Writers improve slowly at the beginning, but quality improvement can last for several years, much longer than typically observed in manufacturing settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiatong Zhong, 2026. "Learning in Creative Tasks: Evidence from a Digital Platform," Working Papers 2026-01, University of Alberta, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:albaec:022118
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    File URL: https://sites.ualberta.ca/~econwps/2026/wp2026-01.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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