Author(s)
Pamela Giustinelli, Charles F. Manski

n this article, we consider the collection of novel subjective data on family processes of schooling decisions. In particular, we review recent progress on survey measurement of expectations, information, and locus of decision of American families within the context of secondary schooling, and we discuss possible future developments by providing concrete examples from recent exploratory efforts. We argue that collection of data on adolescents' and parents' perceptions of the available school options and the application-and-admission rules, their subjective expectations about short- and long-term consequences of alternative choices, and their assessments of the locus of decision making within families could greatly enhance economic modeling and contribute to effective econometric analysis of schooling decisions.

Publication Type
Article
Journal
Economic Inquiry
JEL Codes
C83: Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
D19: Household Behavior and Family Economics: Other
D79: Analysis of Collective Decision-Making: Other
D83: Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief
D84: Expectations; Speculations
I21: Analysis of Education
J24: Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
I26: Returns to Education