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| Fernanda Marquez-Padilla and Jorge Alvarez |
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| ''Grading happiness: what grading systems tell us about cross-country wellbeing comparisons'' |
| ( 2018, Vol. 38 No.2 ) |
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| Self-reported wellbeing measures have been widely used in cross-country studies. However, there are concerns about the sensitivity of these measures to country-specific factors that affect the interpretation of questions and scales without affecting wellbeing itself. Using a novel database on international grading systems, we find evidence that differences in numerical grading systems affect self-reported wellbeing. In particular, countries with a higher threshold for passing grades tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction. Since grading systems are unlikely to affect wellbeing itself, we conclude that grading systems affect the interpretation of scales--probably by providing reference points that anchor individuals' responses. |
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| Keywords: Subjective wellbeing, Life satisfaction, Response styles |
JEL: D6 - Welfare Economics: General
I3 - Welfare and Poverty: General |
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| Manuscript Received : Apr 11 2018 | | Manuscript Accepted : Jun 21 2018 |
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