Our speaker will be Pietro Veronesi (University of Chicago, NBER, and CEPR).

He will give a talk on “Self-image Bias and Lost Talent” (joint with Marciano Siniscalchi).

Abstract: We propose an overlapping-generation model wherein researchers belong to two groups, M or F, and established researchers evaluate new researchers. Group imbalance obtains even with group-neutral evaluations and identical productivity distributions. Evaluators’ self-image bias and mild between-group heterogeneity in equally productive research characteristics lead the initially dominant group, say M, to promote scholars similar to them. Promoted F-researchers are few and similar to M-researchers, perpetuating imbalance. Consistently with the data, our mechanism also predicts stronger and widening group imbalance in top institutions; higher quality of accepted F-researchers; clustering of M- and F-researchers across different fields; greater imbalance for seniors than juniors; less credit for F-researchers in co-authored work; and established researchers’ false perception that increasing F-representation reduces quality. Policy-wise, mentorship reduces group imbalance, but increases F-group talent loss. Affirmative action reduces both.

The talk will take place on August 8, 2022 hybrid in room D4.4.008 at 11.00 a.m.

Zoom: Click here to join the meeting