The returns to cognitive abilities and personality traits in Germany

B-Tier
Journal: Labour Economics
Year: 2010
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Pages: 535-546

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We provide the first joint evidence on the relationship between individuals' cognitive abilities, their personality and earnings for Germany. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study, we employ scores from an ultra-short IQ-test and a set of measures of personality traits, namely locus of control, reciprocity and all basic items from the Five Factor Personality Inventory. Our estimates suggest a positive effect of so-called fluid intelligence or speed of cognition on males' wages only. Findings for personality traits are more heterogeneous. However, there is a robust wage penalty for an external locus of control for both men and women.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:labeco:v:17:y:2010:i:3:p:535-546
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24