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A pseudo-sequential choice model for valuing multi-attribute environmental policies or programs in contingent valuation applications

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The assumption of independence of irrelevant alternatives in a sequential contingent valuation format should be questioned. Statistically, most valuation studies treat nonindependence as a consequence of unobserved individual effects. Another approach is to consider an inferential process in which any particular choice is part of a general choosing strategy of a survey respondent. A stochastic model is suggested, consistent with the reflexivity, transitivity, and continuity axioms of utility analysis. An application of this theoretical model to the valuation of watershed ecosystem restoration demonstrates that an empirical model recognizing reflexivity and transitivity, and also allowing for continuity, shows the highest in-sample predictive ability.

Keywords

contingent valuation, sequential choices, modeling approaches, watershed ecosystem service valuation

Citation

Volinskiy, Dmitriy; Bergstrom, John C; Cornwell, Christopher M; Holmes, Thomas P. 2010. A pseudo-sequential choice model for valuing multi-attribute environmental policies or programs in contingent valuation applications. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review 39(1):9-21.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/36458