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Consistent subsets: Computationally feasible methods to compute the Houtman–Maks-index

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  • Heufer, Jan
  • Hjertstrand, Per

Abstract

We provide two methods to compute the largest subset of a set of observations that is consistent with the Generalised Axiom of Revealed Preference. The algorithm provided by Houtman and Maks (1985) is not computationally feasible for larger data sets, while our methods are not limited in that respect. The first method is an application of Gross and Kaiser’s (1996) approximate algorithm and is only applicable for two-dimensional data sets, but it is very fast and easy to implement. The second method is a mixed-integer linear programming approach that is slightly more involved but still fast and not limited by the dimension of the data set.

Suggested Citation

  • Heufer, Jan & Hjertstrand, Per, 2015. "Consistent subsets: Computationally feasible methods to compute the Houtman–Maks-index," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 87-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:128:y:2015:i:c:p:87-89
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2015.01.024
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    Cited by:

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    3. Smeulders, Bart & Crama, Yves & Spieksma, Frits C.R., 2019. "Revealed preference theory: An algorithmic outlook," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 272(3), pages 803-815.
    4. Hjertstrand, Per, 2020. "Income Elasticities Without Parameters," Working Paper Series 1324, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    5. Matej Opatrny, 2018. "Extent of Irrationality of the Consumer: Combining the Critical Cost Eciency and Houtman Maks Indices," Working Papers IES 2018/11, Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Economic Studies, revised Apr 2018.
    6. Jan Heufer & Per Hjertstrand, 2015. "Homothetic Efficiency and Test Power: A Non-Parametric Approach," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 15-064/I, Tinbergen Institute.
    7. Andreas C Drichoutis & Rodolfo M Nayga, 2020. "Economic Rationality under Cognitive Load," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 130(632), pages 2382-2409.
    8. Avner Seror, 2025. "A Non-Parametric Approach to Heterogeneity Analysis," Papers 2501.13721, arXiv.org, revised Sep 2025.
    9. E. Cettolin & P. S. Dalton & W. J. Kop & W. Zhang, 2020. "Cortisol meets GARP: the effect of stress on economic rationality," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 23(2), pages 554-574, June.
    10. Demuynck, Thomas & Hjertstrand, Per, 2019. "Samuelson's Approach to Revealed Preference Theory: Some Recent Advances," Working Paper Series 1274, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    11. Avner Seror, 2024. "The Moral Mind(s) of Large Language Models," AMSE Working Papers 2433, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France.
    12. Castillo, Marco & Freer, Mikhail, 2018. "Revealed differences," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 202-217.
    13. Zhang, Wanqing, 2025. "Influence of stress, perceived control, and intrinsic motivation on individual economic decision-making," Other publications TiSEM 7a3c490f-d92c-47cf-92fb-9, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    14. Jim Engle-Warnick & Natalia Mishagina, 2014. "Insensitivity to Prices in a Dictator Game," CIRANO Working Papers 2014s-19, CIRANO.
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    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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