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Embedding Effects in the OECD Better Life Index

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  • von Reumont, Louisa
  • Schöb, Ronnie
  • Hetschko, Clemens

Abstract

The OECD aims to foster ‘better policies for better lives'. To this end, the OECD invites people to evaluate quality-of-life indicators according to their individual preferences, using the web-based Better Life Index. These indicators are embedded in 11 broader well-being dimensions. Our experiment shows that this procedure yields strong embedding effects, casting serious doubts on the reliability of the Better Life Index as well as its usefulness in providing meaningful policy recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • von Reumont, Louisa & Schöb, Ronnie & Hetschko, Clemens, 2017. "Embedding Effects in the OECD Better Life Index," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168133, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc17:168133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tahsin Mehdi, 2019. "Stochastic Dominance Approach to OECD’s Better Life Index," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 143(3), pages 917-954, June.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C42 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Survey Methods
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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