Working Paper: NBER ID: w13810
Authors: Lex Borghans; Angela Lee Duckworth; James J. Heckman; Bas ter Weel
Abstract: This paper explores the interface between personality psychology and economics. We examine the predictive power of personality and the stability of personality traits over the life cycle. We develop simple analytical frameworks for interpreting the evidence in personality psychology and suggest promising avenues for future research.
Keywords: Personality Traits; Cognitive Ability; Economic Outcomes; Predictive Validity; Social Policy
JEL Codes: I20; J24
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| personality traits impose constraints on agent behavior (D91) | economic models need modification (C59) |
| cognitive ability (G53) | personality traits (D91) |
| personality traits (D91) | cognitive ability (G53) |
| parental investment (J13) | personality traits (D91) |
| cognitive traits peak in late adolescence (D91) | personality traits evolve (Z13) |
| personality traits (D91) | socioeconomic outcomes (I24) |
| cognitive ability (G53) | socioeconomic outcomes (I24) |
| changes in personality and motivation (D91) | long-term outcomes (I12) |