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The Impact of Non-Cognitive Characteristics on the Higher Education Choice-Making: An Economist Perspective

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Abstract

Ksenia Rozhkova, Junior Research Fellow, Laboratory for Labor Market Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences, National Research University Higher School of Economics. E-mail: krozhkova@hse.ru (corresponding author) Sergey Roshchin, Candidate of Sciences in Economics, Head of the Laboratory for Labor Market Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences, National Research University Higher School of Economics. E-mail: sroshchin@hse.ru Address: 11 Pokrovsky Blvd, 109028 Moscow, Russian Federation. The article presents a review of literature systematizing findings on the contribution of non-cognitive skills to higher education choice-making. The concept of higher education choice-making in this paper embraces the decision to embark on a college degree, the probability of successful degree completion, the choice of academic discipline, and other related aspects. A priority focus is given to publications in economics since the economic approach differs a lot from approaches in other social sciences. In addition, the article explores the methodological characteristics of non-cognitive skills research in economics. The results of literature analysis point to the relevance of non-cognitive skills in explaining individual educational choices and allow drawing some inferences for education policy.

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  • Ksenia Rozhkova & Sergey Roshchin, 2021. "The Impact of Non-Cognitive Characteristics on the Higher Education Choice-Making: An Economist Perspective," Voprosy obrazovaniya / Educational Studies Moscow, National Research University Higher School of Economics, issue 3, pages 138-167.
    • Handle: RePEc:nos:voprob:2021:i:3:p:138-167
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