Great expectations, mixed results and resilient beliefs: The troubles of empirical research in economic controversies

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Pedro Nuno Teixeira (Author) FEP

Journal

Title: Journal of Economic Methodology

Vol. 14 No. 3

Pages: 291-309

ISSN: 1350-178X

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

Scopus - 9 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-ND5

DOI: 10.1080/13501780701562468

Abstract (EN): Anyone who has followed an economic controversy will have encountered the expectation that empirical research could provide an important role in clarifying the issues at stake. However, this hardly ever seems to be the case. Using the example of the debate between human capital and screening theories to explain the correlation between education and earnings, this paper discusses some possible reasons for the lack of impact that empirical research has had in many economic debates. The aspects discussed relate to the way many economists approach empirical work, which may undermine its relevance and impact for economic debates.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific