scholarly journals Modelling welfare estimates in discrete choice experiments for seaweed-based renewable energy

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260352
Author(s):  
Petr Mariel ◽  
Simona Demel ◽  
Alberto Longo

We explore what researchers can gain or lose by using three widely used models for the analysis of discrete choice experiment data—the random parameter logit (RPL) with correlated parameters, the RPL with uncorrelated parameters and the hybrid choice model. Specifically, we analyze three data sets focused on measuring preferences to support a renewable energy programme to grow seaweed for biogas production. In spite of the fact that all three models can converge to very similar median WTP values, they cannot be used indistinguishably. Each model is based on different assumptions, which should be tested before their use. The fact that standard sample sizes usually applied in environmental valuation are generally unable to capture the outcome differences between the models cannot be used as a justification for their indistinct application.

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Alice Stiletto ◽  
Erika Rozzanigo ◽  
Elisa Giampietri ◽  
Samuele Trestini

This study investigates the preferences for ready-to-eat pomegranate arils in Italy through a discrete choice experiment (DCE) on 264 young consumers in Italy. The aim is to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the reputational attributes of the product (e.g., the product origin and sales channel) and to discriminate the elicited preferences between tasting and non-tasting situations. To this purpose, a random parameter logit model was employed to assess the heterogeneity in consumer preferences. The results suggest that non-tasters attach a relevant value to the reputational attributes (e.g., +75% WTP for Italian origin). Moreover, considering the sensory features of the products, we found that consumers in this group discriminate against the proposed samples only through their visual characteristics: they prefer the sample with the largest size and red colored arils. In addition, we found that the tasting experience reduced the value attached to the reputational attributes (e.g., −50% WTP for local origin) for consumers, compared to non-tasting situation, thus shifting their preference to the samples that they appreciated the most (high liking). Specifically, we found that consumers in the tasting group preferred the product sample with the highest level of sweetness and the lowest level of sourness and astringency, showing a higher preference for sweetness. The findings contribute to the literature on consumers’ behavior on new food products (NFPs), showing that reputational attributes lose value after the tasting experience. In contrast, the sensory features of the NFPs can help tasters to reduce the information asymmetry, which traditionally represents a hurdle in purchases for new consumers. However, this depends on the individuals’ subjective preferences, as demonstrated by the significant effect of liking levels in discriminating consumers’ choices. To conclude, although these results cannot be extended to the general population, they may give some interesting insights about future trends of NFP demand.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 96-111
Author(s):  
Thong Tien Nguyen ◽  
Hung Manh Nguyen

The study used discrete choice model to investigate the position of Vietnam’s Pangasius catfish in the French market. Data was collected via a choice experiment designed for 12 aquaculture species familiar to French consumers. The random parameter model was estimated and used to calculate the share elasticity. The market position of the aquaculture products in this study was calculated based on the competitive clout, vulnerability scores, and ranked-order implicit values. The results show that Vietnam’s Pangasius has a low competitive clout, high vulnarability score, and low ranked-order implicit value. A latent class model was also estimated for comparison and acquisition of additional information. A strong segment of Pangasius (11.9%) is described by low income and education consumers, women at mid-age dominated, and family with children. To improve the Pangasius position and image in the international market, Vietnam needs promotional and marketing campaigns at global level for the product.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Burke ◽  
Christine Eckert ◽  
Srishti Sethi

Previous research has demonstrated that consumers evaluate products according to their perceived benefits when making a choice. This article extends prior work by proposing a method that evaluates the degree to which multiple a priori defined benefits mediate product choices. The model is the first to consider process heterogeneity—that is, heterogeneity in how consumers perceive multiple attributes to positively or negatively affect multiple benefits simultaneously and the contribution of each benefit to product utility. The authors propose discrete choice experiments to holistically measure the link between attributes and benefits, as well as between attributes and choice, resulting in data that can be analyzed with a generalized probit model. The approach contributes to mediation research by offering an alternative method of handling multiple multinomial mediators and dichotomous outcome variables. An empirical illustration of bread choices shows how consumer judgments about health and value perceptions of products mediate purchase decisions. The authors demonstrate how the method can help managers (1) confirm and test existing knowledge about latent benefits, including whether they explain all the variation in choice, and (2) consider process heterogeneity to inform market segmentation strategies.


Author(s):  
Hideo Aizaki ◽  
Jun Furuya ◽  
Takeshi Sakurai ◽  
Swe Swe Mar

AbstractThis study examines farmers’ preferences for weather index insurance (WII) in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar, using discrete choice experiments. It employs data taken from a survey of 317 rice farmers in the district of Labutta in the Ayeyarwady Region, which was conducted in March 2019. After being informed about WII and the trigger conditions, farmers were asked to answer discrete choice questions on WII packages. The hypothetical WII packages consisted of three attributes: the types of disaster that the insurance covers, the insurance coverage rate, and the annual insurance premium rate. A random parameter logit model analysis of the responses reveals that farmers prefer the WII packages covering cyclones, floods, and droughts to that for salt damage. The probabilities of selecting 64 hypothetical WII packages calculated from the estimates indicate that more than 50% of farmers can be expected to purchase seven WII packages for cyclones, floods, and droughts.


Author(s):  
Ce Shang ◽  
James Nonnemaker ◽  
Kymberle Sterling ◽  
Jessica Sobolewski ◽  
Scott R. Weaver

Background: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among young adult cigarette smokers in the period July–August 2018 to examine their preference for cigarillos in response to various packaging-related attributes, including flavor, flavor description, quality descriptors, pack size, and prices. Methods: A convenience sample of 566 US young adult cigarette smokers aged 18–34, among whom 296 were current little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) smokers, were recruited using Facebook ads and invited to participate in an online (Qualtrics) tobacco survey containing DCE and tobacco use questions. In the experiment, participants chose among two cigarillo products or “neither” (opt-out). Results: We analyzed preferences for LCCs using multinomial, nested, random parameter logit models. Results showed that young adult cigarette smokers preferred grape over menthol, tobacco/regular, and wine flavors; “color only” and “color and text” flavor depictions over text only; “smooth” and “sweet” quality descriptors over “satisfying”; and larger pack sizes and lower prices. Conclusions: Regulating packaging-related features will impact LCC choices among US young adult smokers. FDA regulation over these packaging-related features may impact LCC use among young adult smokers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-129
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Mueller ◽  
Daniel J. Trujillo

This study furthers existing research on the link between the built environment and travel behavior, particularly mode choice (auto, transit, biking, walking). While researchers have studied built environment characteristics and their impact on mode choice, none have attempted to measure the impact of zoning on travel behavior. By testing the impact of land use regulation in the form of zoning restrictions on travel behavior, this study expands the literature by incorporating an additional variable that can be changed through public policy action and may help cities promote sustainable real estate development goals. Using a unique, high-resolution travel survey dataset from Denver, Colorado, we develop a multinomial discrete choice model that addresses unobserved travel preferences by incorporating sociodemographic, built environment, and land use restriction variables. The results suggest that zoning can be tailored by cities to encourage reductions in auto usage, furthering sustainability goals in transportation.


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