Which of the following is true regarding the earnings of highly educated versus not-as-highly educated workers? a. Highly educated people tend to earn less because highly educated people are viewed as shallow and more self-absorbed and, therefore, as less productive. b. Highly educated people tend to earn more because highly educated people usually have greater human capital. c. Highly educated people tend to earn less because highly educated people usually have less human capital. d. Highly educated people tend to earn more because they may actually have a larger value of marginal product.

To determine which statement is true regarding the earnings of highly educated versus not-as-highly educated workers, let's analyze each option: a. **Highly educated people tend to earn less because highly educated people are viewed as shallow and more self-absorbed and, therefore, as less productive.** - This statement is not supported by economic theory or empirical evidence. Generally, higher education is associated with higher productivity and earnings. b. **Highly educated people tend to earn more because highly educated people usually have greater human capital.** - This statement is true. Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by an individual. Higher education typically increases human capital, leading to higher earnings. c. **Highly educated people tend to earn less because highly educated people usually have less human capital.** - This statement is false. Highly educated individuals generally have more human capital, not less. d. **Highly educated people tend to earn more because they may actually have a larger value of marginal product.** - This statement is also true. The value of marginal product refers to the additional value generated by an additional unit of input (in this case, labor). Highly educated workers often contribute more to productivity, leading to higher earnings. Based on this analysis, both options **b** and **d** are true. However, if we are to choose the most straightforward and commonly accepted reason, option **b** is the best choice: **b. Highly educated people tend to earn more because highly educated people usually have greater human capital.**