William B Byth

William Boel Byth is a master’s student of political science at the University of Copenhagen. Throughout his academic endeavors, he has been driven by understanding and explaining behavior in the intersection between political psychology and public administration. His research projects span a wide range of issues from choice behavior in the daycare sector to approval of the protective measures implemented against Coronavirus, and they often make use of experimental methods. He has further developed these interests through his position in DEA, an independent think tank that conducts analyses and policy advice on postsecondary education, daycare, and R&I and has gained practical experience within these fields from previous jobs in several ministries.

For his master’s thesis, William and his research partner, Clara Bloch Johansen, study what factors are pivotal when high school students make the decision to apply for post-secondary education through a choice-based conjoint experiment. The project examines pecuniary as well as non-pecuniary factors since some of the key objectives of the research are testing competing theoretical explanations, whether specific patterns of behavior can be identified for certain types of students, and if some factors have the capacity to shift educational preferences. They hope the thesis will provide important knowledge of what drives educational preferences that can support effective and targeted policy reforms to improve postsecondary education in the future. Insight in this area is crucial since a functioning, balanced education system which is responsive to labor market demands is paramount for economic and social development in society.