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How (not) to Lie with Benefit-Cost Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Farrow

    (UMBC)

Abstract

Benefit-cost analysis is seen by some as a controversial activity in which the analyst can significantly bias the results. This note highlights some of the ways that analysts can "lie" in a benefit-cost analysis but more importantly, provides guidance on how not to lie and how to better inform public decisionmakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Farrow, 2013. "How (not) to Lie with Benefit-Cost Analysis," UMBC Economics Department Working Papers 13-04, UMBC Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:umb:econwp:1304
    as

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    File URL: http://www.umbc.edu/economics/wpapers/wp_13_04.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Richard O. Zerbe & Tyler Blake Davis & Nancy Garland & Tyler Scott, 2013. "Conclusion: principles and standards for benefit–cost analysis," Chapters, in: Scott O. Farrow & Richard Zerbe, Jr. (ed.), Principles and Standards for Benefit–Cost Analysis, chapter 11, pages 364-443, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Scott Farrow & W. Kip Viscusi, 2013. "Towards principles and standards for the benefit–cost analysis of safety," Chapters, in: Scott O. Farrow & Richard Zerbe, Jr. (ed.), Principles and Standards for Benefit–Cost Analysis, chapter 5, pages 172-193, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Scott O. Farrow & Richard Zerbe, Jr. (ed.), 2013. "Principles and Standards for Benefit–Cost Analysis," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 15126.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Cristian F. Sepulveda, 2022. "Cost-benefit Analysis of an 'Average' Professional Sports Team or Stadium in the United States," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2210, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    benefit; cost; welfare.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods

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