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

Pedro N. Teixeira

Journal of Economic Methodology, 2007, vol. 14, issue 3, pages 291-309

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Human capital; screening; education; empirics; testing theories (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007

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