Research Productivity Over the Life Cycle: Evidence for Academic Scientists

The relationship between age and the publishing productivity of Ph.D. scientists is analyzed using data from the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (National Research Council) and the Science Citation Index. The longitudinal nature of the data allows for the identification of pure aging effects. In five...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American economic review Vol. 81; no. 1; pp. 114 - 132
Main Authors Levin, Sharon G., Stephan, Paula E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Menasha, Wis American Economic Association 01.03.1991
Subjects
Aging
Aging & longevity
Author productivity
Cohort effect
Comparative studies
Economic models
Economic research
Economic theory
Effects
Geology
Life cycles
Modeling
Particle physics
Physics
Productivity
Regression analysis
Scientists
Social research
Statistical significance
United States > US
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Summary:The relationship between age and the publishing productivity of Ph.D. scientists is analyzed using data from the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (National Research Council) and the Science Citation Index. The longitudinal nature of the data allows for the identification of pure aging effects. In five of the six areas studied, life-cycle aging effects are present. Only in particle physics, where scientists often speak of being on a "religious quest," is there indication that scientific productivity is not investment-motivated. Vintage effects are also considered. The expectation that the latest educated are the most productive is not generally supported by the data.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
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ISSN:0002-8282
1944-7981