http://repub.eur.nl/res/concept/jel-J44/ Recent publications classified by JEL Code J44 en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/7786/ 1997-12-01T00:00:00Z In this paper the reading behaviour of economists is examined to see whether particular types of knowledge - basic and applied - imply different investment patterns. As it turns out, the reading intensity of advanced theoretical and empirical literature declines with three to four percent per year of experience, although researchers and economists with a mathematical background start with a higher initial stock of knowledge of this type of literature. Business and government economists concentrate on applied literature and news magazines; a type of literature which is not frequently read by mathematical economists. However, the mathematical economists catch up with their non-mathematical colleagues in 12 to 15 years time. Furthermore, the introduction of graduate schools in Dutch academia has not brought about a fundamental change in reading habits. The biggest factor in explaining the divergence in reading behaviour among economists remains the mathematical, c.q. econometrics background in undergraduate training. Dalen, H.P. van http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/7787/ 1997-11-03T00:00:00Z Nobel laureates in economics make their most important and creative contributions between the ages of 29 and 38. The average creative age of Nobel economists is slightly below that of laureates in physics, and considerably younger than that of laureates in chemistry and medicine/physiology. The University of Chicago and the US in general has so far turned out to be best breeding ground for original economists. Furthermore, most fundamental work has been written alone and this finding contrasts strongly with the dominant trend in economics where multi-authored papers have become the rule in publishing. Dalen, H.P. van