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Field
Abstract
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Before
The project will study sources and consequences of skills mismatch, a phenomenon where workers’ skills differ from job skill requirements. Skills mismatch can have a negative effect on workers’ income and career progression in both short and long terms, particularly for young workers.
Past studies have found that skills mismatch may be caused by (i) workers not fully knowing their own skill levels; (ii) lacking of labour market information, for example, different occupations may require different skill levels; (iii) lacking of confidence and adherence to social norms or traditional gender stereotypes. For example, female workers may perceive that a programmer is not a suitable job for women.
Importantly, in-depth information has never been collected to analyse the causes of skills mismatch in Thailand. Therefore, the research team is interested in studying the role of these three factors on occupational choices among graduates in Thailand. The research team expects that this study will shed light on policy solutions to the skills mismatch issue, and that the findings will be useful in designing policies to raise workers' incomes, promote labour market efficiency and reduce social inequality.
The project will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach. The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows:
1. Providing individual ability: the intervention will evaluate skill levels using tests of quantitative, language (thai) and noncognitive skills. The test results will be presented to the participants in this treatment group. Each participant receives this result in private and individually.
2. Providing information on labour market: the intervention will use currently available data of labor market demand and present the results to the participants. Each participant will receive personalised information about the returns and skill requirements of occupations they are interested in as well as broad information of the current labor market environment.
3. Promoting Growth Mindset: the intervention will produce video media that provide training of a growth mindset in a job search process context. All participants in this treatment will receive the same video.
Treatments are randomized at the individual level. This experiment has 8 experimental groups: 7 treatment groups (G1-G7) and 1 control group (G8).
To measure the treatment effects, we will collect information using an online survey, before and after the interventions, on labour market outcomes (earnings, occupations, job search behaviour, job satisfaction), subjective beliefs (regarding labour markets and own skills), individual characteristics (gender, family background and skills). These are standard variables commonly used in labour economics research.
There are three sets of survey. The baseline survey will measure the variables mentioned above before the interventions. We will then follow these individuals’ outcomes using two sets of endline surveys afterwards. The first endline survey will measure how beliefs change over time each year. The second endline survey will biennially ask about the actual labour market outcomes.
Using the collected data, the project will analyse sources, mechanisms, and consequences of skills mismatch in an empirical framework. Results will be aggregated such that individuals cannot be identified.
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After
Skills mismatch, defined by the discrepancy between workers’ skills and job skill requirements, can have negative effects on workers’ income and career progression. Past research has studied its causes separately which include (i) workers not fully knowing their own skill levels; (ii) lacking of labour market information; (iii) lacking confidence and adherence to social norms. For example, female workers may perceive that a programmer is not a suitable job for women.
The project will study the role of these three factors and their interactions on skills mismatch using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows: providing information on individual ability; providing information on labour markets; and promoting growth mindset in a job search process context. The project will collect panel data on actual labour market outcomes, subjective beliefs and individual characteristics then analyse mechanisms and consequences of skills mismatch.
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Field
Last Published
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Before
July 10, 2024 01:42 AM
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After
July 10, 2024 06:02 AM
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Field
Intervention (Public)
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Before
The project will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach. The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows:
1. Providing individual ability: the intervention will evaluate skill levels using tests of quantitative, language (thai) and noncognitive skills. The test results will be presented to the participants in this treatment group. Each participant receives this result in private and individually.
2. Providing information on labour market: the intervention will use currently available data of labor market demand and present the results to the participants. Each participant will receive personalised information about the returns and skill requirements of occupations they are interested in as well as broad information of the current labor market environment.
3. Promoting Growth Mindset: the intervention will produce video media that provide training of a growth mindset in a job search process context. All participants in this treatment will receive the same video.
Treatments are randomized at the individual level. This experiment has 8 experimental groups: 7 treatment groups (G1-G7) and 1 control group (G8).
We target fourth-year (final-year) college students in general majors such as arts and humanities. The age range is based on what the age range of final-year college students in Thailand.
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After
The project will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach. The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows:
1. Providing individual ability: the intervention will evaluate skill levels using tests of quantitative, language (thai) and noncognitive skills. The test results will be presented to the participants in this treatment group. Each participant receives this result in private and individually.
2. Providing information on labour market: the intervention will use currently available data of the labour force survey. Each participant will receive personalised information about the returns and skill requirements of occupations they are interested in as well as broad information of the current labor market environment.
3. Promoting Growth Mindset: the intervention will produce video media that provide training of a growth mindset in a job search process context. All participants in this treatment will receive the same video.
Treatments are randomized at the individual level. This experiment has 8 experimental groups: 7 treatment groups (G1-G7) and 1 control group (G8).
We target fourth-year (final-year) college students in general majors such as arts and humanities. The age range is based on the ages of final-year college students in Thailand.
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Field
Primary Outcomes (End Points)
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Before
Types of jobs applied; Job search behaviours; Perception on job prospects; Employment status; Sequential earnings; Perception on own abilities
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After
Types of jobs applied; Job search behaviours; Perception on job prospects; Employment status; Earnings; Perception on own abilities
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Field
Planned Number of Observations
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Before
The sample size is based on statistical calculation. Because the randomization unit for this experiment is at the individual level, therefore, if we aim to test the hypothesis at the significance level 0.05, with an effect size of approximately 0.20 SD, the size of sample in each experimental group with statistical power is approximately 0.80 is approximately 400 people. That means the overall sample size should be approximately 3,200 people at the end of the project. We anticipate that there will be approximately 10 percent of the sample attrition annually. Therefore, the size of sample students in the first survey should be approximately 5,500 people so that in the final year (the next 5 years) there will still be about 3,200 people in the final round.
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After
5,500 students in the baseline.
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Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
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Before
The sample size is based on statistical calculation. Because the randomization unit for this experiment is at the individual level, therefore, if we aim to test the hypothesis at the significance level 0.05, with an effect size of approximately 0.20 SD, the size of sample in each experimental group with statistical power is approximately 0.80 is approximately 400 people. That means the overall sample size should be approximately 3,200 people at the end of the project. We anticipate that there will be approximately 10 percent of the sample attrition annually. Therefore, the size of sample students in the first survey should be approximately 5,500 people so that in the final year (the next 5 years) there will still be about 3,200 people in the final round.
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After
688 students in the baseline.
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Field
Power calculation: Minimum Detectable Effect Size for Main Outcomes
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Before
The sample size is based on statistical calculation. Because the randomization unit for this experiment is at the individual level, therefore, if we aim to test the hypothesis at the significance level 0.05, with an effect size of approximately 0.20 SD, the size of sample in each experimental group with statistical power is approximately 0.80 is approximately 400 people. That means the overall sample size should be approximately 3,200 people at the end of the project. We anticipate that there will be approximately 10 percent of the sample attrition annually. Therefore, the size of sample students in the first survey should be approximately 5,500 people so that in the final year (the next 5 years) there will still be about 3,200 people in the final round.
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After
The sample size is based on statistical calculation. Given that the randomization unit for this experiment is at the individual level, if we aim to test the hypothesis at the significance level 0.05, with an effect size of approximately 0.20 SD, the size of sample in each experimental group with statistical power is approximately 0.80 is approximately 400 people. That means the overall sample size should be approximately 3,200 people at the end of the project. We anticipate that there will be approximately 10 percent of the sample attrition annually. Therefore, the size of sample students in the first survey should be approximately 5,500 people so that in the final year (the next 5 years) there will still be about 3,200 people in the final round.
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Field
Additional Keyword(s)
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Before
Mismatch, Abilities, Growth Mindset, Occupational Choices
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After
Skills, Mismatch, Beliefs, Growth Mindset, Occupational Choices
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Field
Intervention (Hidden)
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Before
The project will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach. The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows:
1. Providing individual ability: the intervention will evaluate skill levels using tests of quantitative, language (thai) and noncognitive skills. The test results will be presented to the participants in this treatment group. Each participant receives this result in private and individually.
2. Providing information on labour market: the intervention will use currently available data of labor market demand and present the results to the participants. Each participant will receive personalised information about the returns and skill requirements of occupations they are interested in as well as broad information of the current labor market environment.
3. Promoting Growth Mindset: the intervention will produce video media that provide training of a growth mindset in a job search process context. All participants in this treatment will receive the same video.
Treatments are randomized at the individual level. This experiment has 8 experimental groups: 7 treatment groups (G1-G7) and 1 control group (G8).
Target group:
We target fourth-year (final-year) college students in general majors such as arts and humanities. The age range is based on what the age range of final-year college students in Thailand. In details, the selection of participants to take part in this research is determined by their current year of study in their undergraduate degree, the location of their institution, and the type of their major and institution.
The target population are fourth-year (final-year) undergraduate students in public and private universities in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The sample includes students in faculties and fields that are not considered specialized in terms of occupations, such as humanities, economics, business administration, science, and engineering. We exclude specialised majors such as medicine, dentistry, and law. Approximately, the number of students taking part in the first survey is 5,500 people.
There are 8 groups of programs that voluntary participants. The assignment of participants into each group is conducted on the basis of randomisation. Each group will take part in each different program’s curriculum and activities.
Baseline Data Collection:
Participants will be asked to take three tests on Math, Thai and non-cognitive skills. This will be conducted on a paper-based format, and it should not take more than 45 minutes altogether.
The second part involves doing an online-based survey on Qualtrics platform that should take about 40 minutes. The questionnaire will include questions on their basic information and family’s background. It will also ask for their views and beliefs regarding labour market conditions and how they perceive they own skills. In total, the activity in this first round will take approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated for (i) the time during their participation and (ii) the completion of their responses to the survey.
Follow-up activities:
The second to the fifth rounds of surveys will be sent to recruited participants every 6 months where each survey should take about 15 minutes. We will contact them via email or LINE messages. They will be asked to take part in an online-based survey (with Qualtrics). This is a short version of the questionnaire from the first-round activity. Additional questions will include their current labour market activities (for example, your current jobs, and job search activities, income, job satisfaction), various beliefs about the labour markets, and beliefs regarding own skills.
In total, the activity in each subsequent round will take approximately 15 minutes. Participants will also be compensated for (i) the time during your participation and (ii) the completion of their responses to the survey.
Intervention Details:
[This part is specifically to Groups 1, 5, 6, 7] Receiving information on own ability.
From the skill assessments that they undertake in the first-round activity, they will receive an information sheet that shows the evaluation of your performances. The information will be sent to them via an online application. It is private and personalised.
[This part is specifically to Groups 2, 4, 6, 7] Receiving labour market information.
Based on the interested occupations that they indicate in the first-round questionnaire, they will receive personalised information about these occupations. In addition, they will also receive information about the current labour market environment in a boarder context, based on the current data of the market. The information will be sent to you via an online application. It is private and personalised.
[This part is specifically to Groups 3, 4, 5, 7] Receiving an online curriculum on growth mindset in the context of job search process.
They will be invited to access an online learning platform, without costs. The course provided is conducted via video media that provides the concept and training of a growth mindset. All participants in this program will receive the same video and can watch this from their mobile/computer/iPad at their own time and pace. The total duration of the course will last approximately 3 hours. However, each video will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and participants can log back in anytime.
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After
The project will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach. The RCT involves giving participants who are final-year college students in Thailand different treatments. The three main treatments are as follows:
1. Providing individual ability: the intervention will evaluate skill levels using tests of quantitative, language (thai) and noncognitive skills. The test results will be presented to the participants in this treatment group. Each participant receives this result in private and individually.
2. Providing information on labour market: the intervention will use currently available data of the labour force survey. Each participant will receive personalised information about the returns and skill requirements of occupations they are interested in as well as broad information of the current labor market environment.
3. Promoting Growth Mindset: the intervention will produce video media that provide training of a growth mindset in a job search process context. All participants in this treatment will receive the same video.
Treatments are randomized at the individual level. This experiment has 8 experimental groups: 7 treatment groups (G1-G7) and 1 control group (G8).
Target group:
We target fourth-year (final-year) college students in general majors such as arts and humanities. The age range is based on the ages of final-year college students in Thailand. The selection of participants to take part in this research is determined by their current year of study in their undergraduate degree, the location of their institution, and the type of their major and institution.
The target population are fourth-year (final-year) undergraduate students in public and private universities in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The sample includes students in faculties and fields that are not considered specialized in terms of occupations, such as humanities, economics, business administration, science, and engineering. We exclude specialised majors such as medicine, dentistry, and law. Approximately, the number of students taking part in the first survey is 5,500 people.
There are 8 groups of programs that voluntary participants. The assignment of participants into each group is conducted on the basis of randomisation. Each group will take part in each different program’s curriculum and activities.
Baseline Data Collection:
Participants will be asked to take three tests on Math, Thai and non-cognitive skills. This will be conducted on a paper-based format, and it should not take more than 45 minutes altogether.
The second part involves doing an online-based survey on Qualtrics platform that should take about 40 minutes. The questionnaire will include questions on their basic information and family’s background. It will also ask for their views and beliefs regarding labour market conditions and how they perceive they own skills. In total, the activity in this first round will take approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated for (i) the time during their participation and (ii) the completion of their responses to the survey.
Follow-up activities:
The second to the fifth rounds of surveys will be sent to recruited participants every 6 months where each survey should take about 15 minutes. We will contact them via email or LINE messages. They will be asked to take part in an online-based survey (with Qualtrics). This is a short version of the questionnaire from the first-round activity. Additional questions will include their current labour market activities (for example, your current jobs, and job search activities, income), various beliefs about the labour markets, and beliefs regarding own skills.
In total, the activity in each subsequent round will take approximately 15 minutes. Participants will also be compensated for (i) the time during your participation and (ii) the completion of their responses to the survey.
Intervention Details:
[This part is specifically to Groups 1, 5, 6, 7] Receiving information on own ability.
From the skill assessments that they undertake in the first-round activity, they will receive an information sheet that shows the evaluation of your performances. The information will be sent to them via an online application. It is private and personalised.
[This part is specifically to Groups 2, 4, 6, 7] Receiving labour market information.
Based on the interested occupations that they indicate in the first-round questionnaire, they will receive personalised information about these occupations. In addition, they will also receive information about the current labour market environment in a boarder context, based on the current data of the market. The information will be sent to you via an online application. It is private and personalised.
[This part is specifically to Groups 3, 4, 5, 7] Receiving an online curriculum on growth mindset in the context of job search process.
They will be invited to access an online learning platform, without costs. The course provided is conducted via video media that provides the concept and training of a growth mindset. All participants in this program will receive the same video and can watch this from their mobile/computer/iPad at their own time and pace. The total duration of the course will last approximately 3 hours. However, each video will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and participants can log back in anytime.
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