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Partial Identification of Heterogeneity in Preference Orderings Over Discrete Choices

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  • Itai Sher
  • Jeremy T. Fox
  • Kyoo il Kim
  • Patrick Bajari

Abstract

We study a variant of a random utility model that takes a probability distribution over preference relations as its primitive. We do not model products using a space of observed characteristics. The distribution of preferences is only partially identified using cross-sectional data on varying budget sets. Imposing monotonicity in product characteristics does not restore full identification. Using a linear programming approach to partial identification, we show how to obtain bounds on probabilities of any ordering relation. We also do constructively point identify the proportion of consumers who prefer one budget set over one or two others. This result is useful for welfare. Panel data and special regressors are two ways to gain full point identification.

Suggested Citation

  • Itai Sher & Jeremy T. Fox & Kyoo il Kim & Patrick Bajari, 2011. "Partial Identification of Heterogeneity in Preference Orderings Over Discrete Choices," NBER Working Papers 17346, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:17346
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    Cited by:

    1. Sam Cosaert & Thomas Demuynck, 2018. "Nonparametric Welfare and Demand Analysis with Unobserved Individual Heterogeneity," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 100(2), pages 349-361, May.
    2. Yuichi Kitamura & Jörg Stoye, 2013. "Nonparametric analysis of random utility models: testing," CeMMAP working papers 36/13, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    3. Srikanth Jagabathula & Paat Rusmevichientong, 2017. "Nonparametric Joint Assortment and Price Choice Model," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 63(9), pages 3128-3145, September.
    4. Yi-Chun Chen & Dmitry Mitrofanov, 2023. "A Nonparametric Stochastic Set Model: Identification, Optimization, and Prediction," Papers 2302.04354, arXiv.org, revised Jul 2023.
    5. Garrett van Ryzin & Gustavo Vulcano, 2015. "A Market Discovery Algorithm to Estimate a General Class of Nonparametric Choice Models," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 61(2), pages 281-300, February.
    6. Strauss, Arne K. & Klein, Robert & Steinhardt, Claudius, 2018. "A review of choice-based revenue management: Theory and methods," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 271(2), pages 375-387.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • L0 - Industrial Organization - - General

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