Template-type: ReDif-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Golsteyn B.H.H. Author-Name: Borghans L. Author-workplace-name: GSBE Title: Default options and training participation Abstract: This paper analyzes whether defaults aff ect the choice for courses followed at work. In addition, we analyze whether the size of the default e ffect varies with employees' personality and skill- de ficiencies. We perform an experiment in which workers are hypothetically o ffered three courses which they can accept or exchange for other courses. Randomizing the default package of courses, we identify the default eff ect. Default courses are chosen approximately three times more often than other courses. They are chosen more often if people have skill-defi ciencies in these courses, suggesting that people consider the default to be an advice. Women choose default courses more often than men. Women with less self-confi dence and men with lower cognitive skills choose the default courses more often. Keywords: Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity; Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials; Classification-JEL: J24; J31;I2. Series: Research Memorandum Creation-Date: 2013 Number: 006 File-URL: http://pub.maastrichtuniversity.nl/1699086d-773a-4bb6-ba29-fe0f7804b278 File-Format: application/pdf File-Size: 334501 Handle: RePEc:dgr:umagsb:2013006