Richard Paulsen
Q: Out of everything you're working on right now, what are you most excited about?
A: One paper I'm working on right now looks at the connection between the socioeconomic background of MLB players and the contracts that they sign. We find that players from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to sign long-term contracts prior to reaching free agency, which leads to less favorable contract terms. Beyond informing our understanding of the MLB player market, this finding helps us understand how socioeconomic background informs decision making when risk is involved.
Q: What's the most meaningful or satisfying aspect of your work?
A: Working with sport data is great because the public nature of the lives of professional athletes can allow us to know more about these workers than we do workers in most other settings. But I am most excited when my work can allow us to understand human behavior and the function of labor markets beyond sport.
Q: How do you balance your time between the demands of your work and personal life?
A: I try to make the most of the time I have when working and with my family, but balancing can certainly be tough! I do also try to keep in mind the idea that perfect can be the enemy of good.
Q: Which states and/or countries have you lived in? Which was your favorite?
A: Prior to moving here, I have lived in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. Massachusetts (Boston) was probably my favorite. There were many reasons, but certainly the food was one of them.
Q: Who are the special people in your life?
A: My wife and children!
One paper I'm working on right now looks at the connection between the socioeconomic background of MLB players and the contracts that they sign.