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Truth in Consequentiality: Theory and Field Evidence on Discrete Choice Experiments

Author

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  • Frédéric Roy-Vigneault
  • Daniel Rondeau
  • Maurice Doyon
  • Christian A. Vossler

Abstract

This paper explores methodological issues surrounding the use of discrete choice experiments to elicit values for public goods. We develop an explicit game theoretic model of individual decisions, providing conditions under which surveys with a single binary choice question, or sequence of binary choice questions, are incentive-compatible. We complement the theory with a framed field experiment, with treatments that span the spectrum from incentive-compatible, financially binding decisions to decisions with no direct financial consequences. The results suggest truthful preference revelation is possible, provided that participants view their decisions as having more than a weak chance of influencing policy. (JEL C83, C93, H41, Q23)
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Frédéric Roy-Vigneault & Daniel Rondeau & Maurice Doyon & Christian A. Vossler, 2010. "Truth in Consequentiality: Theory and Field Evidence on Discrete Choice Experiments," CIRANO Working Papers 2010s-43, CIRANO.
    • Handle: RePEc:cir:cirwor:2010s-43
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    File URL: https://cirano.qc.ca/files/publications/2010s-43.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    discrete choice experiment; framed field experiment; mechanism design theory; stated preferences; consequentiality ; expériences avec choix discrets; expérience terrain; préférences révélées; conséquences; biais hypothétique;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects

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