Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Memorandum,
Oslo University, Department of Economics

No 4/2019: Collaboration, Alphabetical Order and Gender Discrimination. Evidence from the Lab

Vegard Sjurseike Wiborg (), Kjell Arne Brekke () and Karine Nyborg ()
Additional contact information
Vegard Sjurseike Wiborg: Dept. of Economics, University of Oslo, Postal: Department of Economics, University of Oslo, P.O Box 1095 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway
Kjell Arne Brekke: Dept. of Economics, University of Oslo, Postal: Department of Economics, University of Oslo, P.O Box 1095 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway
Karine Nyborg: Dept. of Economics, University of Oslo, Postal: Department of Economics, University of Oslo, P.O Box 1095 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway

Abstract: If individual abilities are imperfectly observable, statistical discrimination may affect hiring decisions. In our lab experiment, pairs of subjects solve simple mathematical problems. Subjects then hire others to perform similar tasks. Before choosing whom to hire, they receive information about the past scores of pairs, not of individuals. We vary the observability of individuals’ abilities by ordering pair members either according to performance, or alphabetically by nickname. We find no evidence of gender discrimination in either treatment, however, possibly indicating that gender stereotypes are of limited importance in the context of our study.

Keywords: Discrimination; Collaboration; Alphabetic; Gender

JEL-codes: A13; C91; D83; J71

28 pages, May 3, 2019

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