Accession Number:

AD1013448

Title:

Do Choice Experiments Generate Reliable Willingness to Pay Estimates Theory and Experimental Evidence

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

United States Air Force Academy United States Air Force Academy United States

Personal Author(s):

• Carson,Katherine S.
• Chilton,Susan M.
• Hutchinson,W. G.
• Scarpa,Riccardo

Report Date:

2015-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

59.0

Abstract:

In this paper we set up a three-stage experimental and theoretical framework to investigatestrategic behaviour and design induced status quo bias in choice experiments. The researchdemonstrates that 1 Repeated multiple choice experiments are not demand revealing. Thus,they do not generate reliable estimates of willingness to pay. 2 Most non-demand revealingchoices are for the second-best option in a choice set. Consistent with the predictions of votingtheory, these choices of the second-best option occur when there is an undesirable third option ina choice set. 3 As a result of the mathematics of combinatorial choice set design, the status quooption frequently occupies the second-best position in a choice set. 4 Experimental subjectchoices of the status quo in the second-best position are consistent with theoretical predictionsderived from the mathematics of combinatorial choice set design. Although choice experimentsas currently used in the field cannot be assumed to generate unbiased estimates of willingness topay, this study demonstrates that the bias is of a predictable nature and direction.

Descriptors:

• economics
• consumers
• HUMAN BEHAVIOR
• ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
• fiscal policies

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE