Choice experiments in non-market value analysis: some methodological issues. Issue 1 (27th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koemle, Dieter; Yu, Xiaohua
• Is Part Of: Forestry economics review. Volume 2:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2020-08-27
• Subjects: Choice experiment -- Methodological issues -- Order effects -- Experimental design -- Incentive compatibility; Q5; Forest products industry -- Periodicals; Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Forests and forestry -- Periodicals; 634.9
• DOI: 10.1108/FER-04-2020-0005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-3030

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper reviews the current literature on theoretical and methodological issues in discrete choice experiments, which have been widely used in non-market value analysis, such as elicitation of residents' attitudes toward recreation or biodiversity conservation of forests. Design/methodology/approach: We review the literature, and attribute the possible biases in choice experiments to theoretical and empirical aspects. Particularly, we introduce regret minimization as an alternative to random utility theory and sheds light on incentive compatibility, status quo, attributes non-attendance, cognitive load, experimental design, survey methods, estimation strategies and other issues. Findings: The practitioners should pay attention to many issues when carrying out choice experiments in order to avoid possible biases. Many alternatives in theoretical foundations, experimental designs, estimation strategies and even explanations should be taken into account in practice in order to obtain robust results. Originality/value: The paper summarizes the recent developments in methodological and empirical issues of choice experiments and points out the pitfalls and future directions both theoretically and empirically.