To analyze the effect of health on work, many studies use a simple
self-assessed work related health measure based upon a question like “do
you have an impairment or health problem limiting the kind or amount of
work you can do?” A possible drawback of such a measure is the
possibility that different groups of respondents may use different
response scales, named “differential item functioning” (DIF). A specific
for of DIF is justification bias: respondents who do not work may more
easily report that they have a work disability than those who work, to
justify the fact that they do not work. In this paper we use anchoring
vignettes to identify justification bias and other forms of DIF across
countries and socio-economic groups among older workers in the U.S. and
Europe. We find strong evidence of justification bias in the U.S. but
not in Europe, suggesting differences in social norms concerning work.
Presented by:
Arthur van Soest (Centre, Tilburg University, The Netherlands) Co-authors: Arie Kapteyn, James P. Smith, RAND
Date & time:
May 18, 2009 3:00 pm - May 18, 2009 4:00 pm
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