Knowledge, Information, and Retirement: Survey Experiments on How Information Influences Retirement Plans, 2012

The aim of this research project is to gain new knowledge on how the pension reform will affect individual decisons on retirement by conducting a survey experiment where respondents are randomized into groups which are given different information on the new pension system. This research design makes it possible to evaluate how information and framing of information can affect individual choices regarding retirement and perceptions of the pension reform. The project is organized along two main issues: First, how the perceived choice about when to retire is affected by information on the cost of retirement, and second, how perceived choice about working after retirement is affected by information on the consequences of this choice. The empirical basis for the project is a survey experiment. Using a survey experiment we will be able to draw sound conclusions regarding the causal effect of information on retirement plans. We will also be able to assess whether effects of information varies between relevant subgroups. In particular, we will examine whether there are gender differences in response to information. An ambition of the project is to inform policies that will support equal access to, fair consequences of, and a fair distribution of resources so that all citizens can make informed choices about their retirement.