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Behavioural Effects of Providing Labour Market Information to Students Evidence from an Eye-tracking Pilot Study

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  • Fouarge, Didier

    (RS: GSBE UM-BIC, ROA / Labour market and training)

  • Steens, Sanne

    (RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research, ROA / Labour market and training)

  • Wetzels, Martin

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate students’ responses to labour market information by using eye-tracking technology to measure the visual attention students pay to labour market indicators of study programmes they are interested in. We relate these measures of visual attention to their recall of information and the likelihood that they re-rank their preferred study choice. In a sample of 63 students in the pre-academic track of a Dutch secondary school, we find that the dwell time (i.e., the time students spend looking at the labour market information we provide) is positively correlated with finding future changes of work and earnings prospects important. Students who report they find our information useful correct their expectations more often. However, we do not find a correlation between dwell time and informational recall on measures of unemployment, working hours and wages in their preferred study programme. The evaluation of the information by students suggests a generally positive response to the information, with a high level of interest and perceived ease of understanding. Despite that, only a small percentage of students plan to use the information in their programme choice, indicating a potential gap between interest and practical application for some students.

Suggested Citation

  • Fouarge, Didier & Steens, Sanne & Wetzels, Martin, 2024. "Behavioural Effects of Providing Labour Market Information to Students Evidence from an Eye-tracking Pilot Study," ROA Technical Report 004, Maastricht University, Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umarot:2024004
    DOI: 10.26481/umarot.2024004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hastings, Justine S. & Neilson, Christopher A. & Ramirez, Anely & Zimmerman, Seth D., 2016. "(Un)informed college and major choice: Evidence from linked survey and administrative data," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 136-151.
    2. Ashok Bardhan & Daniel L. Hicks & Dwight Jaffee, 2013. "How responsive is higher education? The linkages between higher education and the labour market," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(10), pages 1239-1256, April.
    3. Anthony Mann & Vanessa Denis & Chris Percy, 2020. "Career ready?: How schools can better prepare young people for working life in the era of COVID-19," OECD Education Working Papers 241, OECD Publishing.
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