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3. Academics' Attitudes toward Engaging in Public Discussions: Experimental Evidence on the Impact of Engagement Conditions

Author

Püttmann, Vitus, Ruhose, Jens, and Thomsen, Stephan L.

Abstract

Growing demands and expectations on the side of policy makers and the public have changed the conditions for academics' engagement in public discussions. At the same time, risks related to this engagement for the professional and even private lives of academics have become apparent. Conducting a survey experiment among 4091 tenured professors in Germany, we study how these conditions causally affect academics' attitudes toward engaging. Consistent with the crowding-out of intrinsic motivation, we find less-positive attitudes when emphasizing demands for engagement by public authorities and public expectations toward science's societal relevance. Effects are particularly strong among professors endorsing science-society relations. Moreover, effects are similar when highlighting risks associated with engagement, but more pronounced for females and younger professors. Emphasizing public support for academics' engagement has no discernible effects. We conclude that considering individual incentive structures and safeguarding against negative repercussions may promote academics' engagement and an adequate representation of the diversity of academics in the public.

Published
2023
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4. Scaling Up and Crowding Out: How German Adult Education Centers Adapted Course Offers to Refugee Integration

Author

Thomsen, Stephan L. and Weilage, Insa

Abstract

Language skills are central to refugee integration and the availability of language courses could thus be a limiting factor. We explore how the most important provider of language courses in Germany, adult education centers (VHS), adapted their course supply to the refugee wave of 2015/2016. Our results highlight two channels through which the local environment can affect opportunities for participation in adult learning: First, exploiting the quasi-random allocation of refugees to counties, we causally estimate by how much VHS scaled up their German language course (DAF) supply as a reaction. Moreover, we show that DAF courses were created almost exclusively at the cost of other courses, that is, by crowding out. Second, we uncover heterogeneities in scaling success. VHS with more prior DAF course experience and larger VHS adapted better, which shows the relevance of initial conditions in course offers.

Published
2023
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10. Berufliche Weiterbildung und subjektives Wohlbefinden: Abschätzung der Effekte einer Weiterbildungsteilnahme auf Zufriedenheit, Sorgen und Gesundheit in Deutschland / Work-Related Training and Subjective Well-Being. Estimating the Effect of Training Participation on Satisfaction, Worries, and Health in Germany

Author

Ruhose, Jens, Thomsen, Stephan L., Weilage, Insa, Gogolin, Ingrid, Series Editor, Schrader, Josef, editor, Ioannidou, Alexandra, editor, and Blossfeld, Hans-Peter, editor

Published
2020
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14. Zur Überfälligkeit von Wirksamkeitsanalysen zum Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG)

Author

Meier, Dennis H., Thomsen, Stephan L., Wolf, Felix, Meier, Dennis H., Thomsen, Stephan L., and Wolf, Felix

Abstract

Vor mehr als 50 Jahren wurde das Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) beschlossen. Es soll Bildungspotenziale ausschöpfen und die Chancengleichheit im (Hochschul-)Bildungswesen fördern. Um die Ziele zu erreichen, gibt es zwei wesentliche Steuerungshebel: Freibeträge und Bedarfssätze. Die Freibeträge definieren die grundsätzliche Anspruchsberechtigung, d.h. die Auswahl der bedürftigen Studierenden, die eine Förderung erhalten können. Die Bedarfssätze sollen dem finanziellen Bedarf entsprechen, der für einen erfolgreichen Studienabschluss ohne Verzögerung erforderlich ist. Anpassungen beider Größen werden bisher nicht auf Grundlage belegbarer Ergebnisse zur Zielerreichung, sondern in politischen Entscheidungsprozessen unter Einbezug deskriptiver Indikatoren und budgetären Erwägungen festgelegt. Ohne belastbare Wirkungsanalysen lassen sich jedoch weder Wirksamkeit noch Effizienz der Förderung feststellen. Im Hinblick auf die Ziele und den Umfang der eingesetzten Mittel (aktuell rund drei Milliarden Euro pro Jahr) erscheinen wissenschaftliche Kausalevaluationen mehr als überfällig. Der vorliegende Beitrag formuliert hierzu einen Lösungsvorschlag mit fünf zentralen Punkten als Impuls für die politische und wissenschaftliche Diskussion.

Published
2024

16. No mental retirement: estimating voluntary adult education activities of older workers.

Author

Ruhose, Jens, Thomsen, Stephan L., and Weilage, Insa

Subjects
*PUBLIC education, *ADULT education, *EMPLOYMENT of older people, *COGNITIVE ability
Abstract

Adult education may keep older workers productive if they voluntarily engage in learning. Examining a generous partial retirement reform in Germany that encouraged early retirement among male workers, we estimate voluntary adult education activities for early retirees. Using county-level administrative data on all public adult education centers (Volkshochschulen; VHS), we employ a difference-in-differences approach exploiting the predetermined county-specific age structure of men for identification. The results show a strong increase in participation in adult education, specifically in cognitively demanding courses. This supports an intrinsic willingness of older workers to acquire skills and abilities independent of financial incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
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17. BAföG: Wirkungsanalysen überfällig.

Author

Meier, Dennis H., Thomsen, Stephan L., and Wolf, Felix

Subjects
AFFIRMATIVE action programs in education, BUDGET, POLITICAL debates, FINANCE, POLITICAL science
Abstract

BAföG is intended to exploit educational potential and promote equal opportunities. To this end, it has two main control levers: allowances and benefit rates. However, adjustments to both figures have been determined by political debates and budgetary considerations rather than on the basis of scientific evidence on the achievement of objectives. Without a causal impact evaluation, however, neither the effectiveness nor the efficiency of the funding can be determined. In view of the objectives and the scope of the funds used (€3 billion per year), causal evaluations appear more than overdue. This article proposes a solution to this problem with five key points as an impetus for political and scientific discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
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20. The Role of High-School Duration for University Students' Motivation, Abilities and Achievements

Author

Meyer, Tobias and Thomsen, Stephan L.

Abstract

We study the effects of learning intensity and duration of high school on students' motivation, abilities and achievements at university. The empirical analysis is based on primary panel data from an education reform in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt that reduced university preparatory schooling from 13 to 12 years but left the curriculum unchanged. The estimates show some impacts on students' perceptions of learning abilities, but the probability of university drop-out and the final grade remain unchanged. By and large, the findings indicate that students affected by the reform are similarly motivated and skilled compared to the counterfactual situation.

Published
2018
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25. Regional Supply and Demand Fundamentals in the German Housing Price Boom.

Author

Brausewetter, Lars, Thomsen, Stephan L., and Trunzer, Johannes

Subjects
HOME prices, SUPPLY & demand, PRICE increases, BOUNDED rationality, CITIES & towns
Abstract

Over the last decade, German housing prices have increased unprecedentedly. Drawing on quality-adjusted housing price data at the district level, we show that regional fundamentals explain up to two-thirds of between-region and 77 to 87 percent of within-region variation in price growth. Price increases were driven mainly by co-movements in local demand fundamentals, notably population density and skill level. However, we further reveal systematic variation unrelated to fundamentals: overvaluation of top 7 cities, path dependency, and spatial spillovers. We infer that speculation, investor preference for liquid markets, and bounded rationality contributed substantially to the recent housing price boom in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
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26. The relevance of resource differences for research performance assessments: A contribution to the discussion within economics in Germany; [Zur Relevanz von Ausstattungsunterschieden für Forschungsleistungsvergleiche: Ein Diskussionsbeitrag für die Wirtschaftswissenschaften in Deutschland]

Author

Püttmann, Vitus, Thomsen, Stephan L., Trunzer, Johannes, Püttmann, Vitus, Thomsen, Stephan L., and Trunzer, Johannes

Abstract

Research performance is not independent of the given conditions. However, performance comparisons often disregard these conditions. On the basis of personnel and financial resources provided by the government, we identify four groups of economics departments in Germany. For these groups, we compare doctoral degrees awarded, third-party funding, publications and the position in the ranking of the platform Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) as common research performance indicators. The results confirm, as expected, correlations between inputs and outputs. The endowment of professorships with scientific staff is particularly important. Top publications and high RePEc ranks are found mostly at larger departments with younger professors. Other departments nevertheless conduct highly cited research. The analysis underlines the necessity of differentiating in performance assessments and intends to encourage discussions on the further development of economics in Germany.

Published
2023

33. Women as Leaders: Chances and Risks of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Gulden, Vivien-Sophie and Thomsen, Stephan L.

Subjects
Coronavirus, HB1-3840, J16, Gleichberechtigung, Weibliche Führungskräfte, ddc:330, J13, Economic theory. Demography, Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform, HN1-995, J71
Abstract

Die geringe Repräsentation von Frauen in Führungspositionen hat die EU-Kommission dazu veranlasst, Maßnahmen und Ziele für eine gleichberechtigte Führungsverantwortung zu definieren. Zeitgleich haben die Corona-Maßnahmen zu tiefgreifenden Veränderungen der Arbeitsorganisation geführt. Neben einem Überblick zur Situation von Frauen in Führungspositionen wird ein Augenmerk auf die Wirkungen der Corona-Maßnahmen gelegt, um Chancen und Risiken zu identifizieren. Diese Maßnahmen können durch Verhaltensänderungen mit sowohl positiven als auch negativen Effekten verbunden sein. Langfristig dürften Frauen von den veränderten Bedingungen jedoch profitieren. The low representation of women in leadership positions has induced the EU Commission to define measures and targets for gender equality. Almost simultaneously, the measures adopted in the coronavirus pandemic have led to profound changes in the organisation of work. These can slow or inhibit the process. This article provides an overview of the situation of women in leadership positions and the most important reasons for their underrepresentation. Special attention is paid to the effects of the COVID-19 measures in order to identify opportunities and risks. It becomes clear that the same measures entail both positive and negative effects through behavioural changes. Nevertheless, in the long term, women are likely to benefit significantly from the new conditions.

Published
2021

35. The relevance of resource differences for research performance assessments: A contribution to the discussion within economics in Germany

Author

Püttmann, Vitus, Thomsen, Stephan L., Trunzer, Johannes, Püttmann, Vitus, Thomsen, Stephan L., and Trunzer, Johannes

Abstract

Research performance is not independent of the given conditions. However, performance comparisons often disregard these conditions. On the basis of personnel and financial resources provided by the government, we identify four groups of economics departments in Germany. For these groups, we compare doctoral degrees awarded, third-party funding, publications and the position in the ranking of the platform Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) as common research performance indicators. The results confirm, as expected, correlations between inputs and outputs. The endowment of professorships with scientific staff is particularly important. Top publications and high RePEc ranks are found mostly at larger departments with younger professors. Other departments nevertheless conduct highly cited research. The analysis underlines the necessity of differentiating in performance assessments and intends to encourage discussions on the further development of economics in Germany., Obwohl Leistungen in der Forschung nicht unabhängig von den jeweils gegebenen institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen sind, bleiben letztere bei einem Vergleich von Forschungsleistungen jedoch häufig unberücksichtigt. Basierend auf Daten zur personellen und finanziellen Ausstattung durch den Hochschulträger können wir vier Gruppen wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Abteilungen an Universitäten in Deutschland identifizieren und vergleichen Promotionen, Drittmittel, Publikationen und Platzierungen im Ranking der Plattform Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) als gängige Indikatoren für Forschungsleistungen. Die empirischen Ergebnisse bestätigen erwartungsgemäß Zusammenhänge zwischen Inputs und Outputs. Besonders bedeutsam für den quantitativen Forschungsoutput (insb. abgeschlossene Promotionen und Publikationen je Professur) scheinen die Anzahl der Studierenden je Professur und die damit zusammenhängende personelle Ausstattung der Professuren zu sein. Top-Publikationen und hohe RePEc-Platzierungen finden sich hingegen insbesondere in Abteilungen mit tendenziell größerem und jüngerem Professorium. Andere Abteilungen leisten dennoch vielzitierte Forschung, ohne dass sich hier aber eine eindeutige Tendenz bezüglich der Inputfaktoren zeigt. Die Analyse unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit einer Differenzierung bei Leistungsvergleichen und soll als Diskussionsanstoß für die Weiterentwicklung der Wirtschaftswissenschaften in Deutschland dienen.

Published
2022

36. The Third Mission in the Academic Profession: Empirical Insights into Academic Identities

Author

Püttmann, Vitus, Thomsen, Stephan L., Püttmann, Vitus, and Thomsen, Stephan L.

Abstract

In line with the growing relevance of higher education and science for societal development and innovation processes, there has been a steady increase in the salience of interrelations with the extra-academic environment in the context of academics’ work. Insights into the status of this so-called third mission in the academic profession remain fragmented, however. We use the concept of an academic identity as an analytical lens to investigate this status empirically based on an original survey among 4,284 professors in Germany across the full range of academic disciplines. The results show that the third mission is firmly included in the academic identities of many, but not all, professors and that the forms of inclusion differ. Specifically, we are able to identify four types of identities: (1) the dedicated type who embraces the third mission as a whole; (2) the idealistic type who emphasizes responsibility toward society and sociopolitical matters; (3) the pragmatic type who emphasizes material work-related and personal benefits; and (4) the reserved type, characterized by an overall distanced stance. We furthermore find evidence of a strong impact of disciplinary communities on the specific types of identities that academics develop, whereas the organizational context and the cohorts to which academics belong appear less relevant. In addition, there are indications that individual characteristics shape the identity formation process. Last, there are strong and differential associations between academics’ identities and their actual third mission engagement. Overall, it appears that the third mission—at least if its multifaceted nature is considered—is a relevant area of activity for a significant share of the academic profession.

Published
2022

38. The Financial Situation of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Meier, Dennis H., Thomsen, Stephan L., and Trunzer, Johannes

Subjects
inequality, I23, higher education, I24, ddc:330, student earnings, COVID-19, student employment
Abstract

Many university students depend on employment during their studies. The closing of universities and the loss of many typical student jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic particularly affected their situation. Based on survey data from a major German university, we analyze changes in students' income and its composition throughout the different phases of the pandemic. Students' job income declined by 66% (total income by 19%), on average, during the first lockdown. There was a quick recovery during the reopening. Job income fell again in the second lockdown, but this decrease was only half as large as that in the first lockdown. Women and students from non-academic backgrounds were particularly affected by job income loss, which widened pre-existing financial inequalities. Students compensated for income losses by increasing loan financing and by reducing their leisure expenses. Although dropout intentions increased for all students, there are no differences across socio-economic groups thus far.

Published
2022

39. Evaluating a gamified bystander program: Evidence from two randomized online field experiments

Author

Ebers, Axel and Thomsen, Stephan L.

Subjects
C93, Field Experiments, K42, ddc:330, D91, Bystander Intervention, Gamification, Social Media, Program Evaluation
Abstract

Objective: Previous social-psychological research has demonstrated the positive effects of online bystander programs on various crime-related outcomes, while information systems research has demonstrated the ability of gamification to improve motivation, engagement, and learning. This study bridges the gap between social psychology and information systems research by evaluating a bystander program that combines the simulation of a dangerous situation in a virtual environment with the application of game principles and game design elements. Method: We developed three research hypotheses and tested them using two randomized online field experiments (RCTs). During the first experiment, we collected data from 4,188 users on Facebook and randomly assigned them to four treatment arms, including three different configurations of the treatment and one control group. During the second experiment, we collected data from a representative sample of the population and observed them across three waves. Results: The results from the first experiment support the hypotheses that the bystander program motivates people to intervene in violent situations and that gamification enhances the motivational effect. The results from the second experiment support the hypothesis that the program makes people feel more capable of intervening. They also show that the treatment effects persist over a long period of time and hold for the overall population. Conclusions: We conclude that the gamification approach offers great potential for bystander education and that social media are well suited for the dissemination and upscaling of bystander programs. Policymakers can use these findings to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of future bystander programs or similar prevention measures.

Published
2022

40. Explaining regional disparities in housing prices across German districts

Author

Brausewetter, Lars, Thomsen, Stephan L., and Trunzer, Johannes

Subjects
R31, housing market, Germany, ddc:330, regional disparities, rental prices, health care economics and organizations, R23
Abstract

Over the last decade, German housing prices have increased unprecedentedly. Drawing on quality-adjusted housing price data at the district level, we document large and increasing regional disparities: growth rates were higher in 1) the largest seven cities, 2) districts located in the south, and 3) districts with higher initial price levels. Indications of price bubbles are concentrated in the largest cities and in the purchasing market. Prices seem to be driven by the demand side: increasing population density, higher shares of academically educated employees and increasing purchasing power explain our findings, while supply remained relatively constrained in the short term.

Published
2022

41. Versorgungsgradprognosen als Baustein einer evidenzbasierten Versorgungsplanung

Author

Thomsen, Stephan L., Ingwersen, Kai, and Weilage, Insa

Abstract

Hintergrund: Als Teil der Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung des Hausärztemangels insbesondere im ländlichen Raum gewinnt die Versorgungsplanung an Bedeutung. Methode: Diese Arbeit zeigt auf, wie durch die Kombination von Bevölkerungsprognosen und Arztzahlprognosen auf Basis der Kohorten-Komponenten-Methode die Qualität der Versorgungsplanung verbessert werden kann. Auf Grundlage bereits verfügbarer Daten (Bevölkerungszahlen und Arztregister) können Entwicklungen der Versorgungsgrade kleinräumig vorhergesagt werden. Die regionale und temporale Differenzierung ermöglicht das frühzeitige Erkennen von spezifischen Handlungsbedarfen. Dabei ist es wichtig, Limitationen in der Ergebnisinterpretation zu berücksichtigen. Ergebnisse: Am Beispiel Niedersachsens wird deutlich, dass bis 2035 ein Rückgang an praktizierenden Hausärztinnen und Hausärzten von über 20 % zu erwarten ist. Gleichzeitig sind Regionen unterschiedlich stark betroffen und selbst innerhalb der gefährdeteren ländlichen Räume zeigen sich heterogene Entwicklungen, die regional angepasste Reaktionen erfordern. Schlussfolgerung: Eine hochqualitative Planung für eine effiziente Zuteilung von Gesundheitsdienstleistungen wird umso wichtiger, je größer die Differenz zwischen Angebot und Nachfrage ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund können Versorgungsgradprognosen als hilfreicher Baustein einer evidenzbasierten Versorgungsplanung dienen.

Published
2022
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