Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Seminar Papers,
Stockholm University, Institute for International Economic Studies

No 730: Gender and Overconfidence

Claes Bengtsson (), Mats Persson () and Peter Willenhag ()
Additional contact information
Claes Bengtsson: Department of Economics, Stockholm University, Postal: Department of Economics , Stockholm University , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
Mats Persson: Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University, Postal: Stockholm University, S-106 69 Stockholm, Sweden
Peter Willenhag: Department of Economics, Stockholm University, Postal: Department of Economics , Stockholm University , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden

Abstract: Do males differ from females in terms of self-confidence? The structure of the Economics I exam at Stockholm University provides an opportunity to shed some light on this question. By answering an extra, optional question, the students can aim for a higher mark. We find a clear gender difference in that male students are more inclined than female students to take this opportunity. This difference in selfassessment is more pronounced among younger than among older students.

Keywords: Overconfidence; gender differences; exam behavior; exam results

JEL-codes: A20; J16; J20

14 pages, June 1, 2004

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