DICHOTOMOUS-CHOICE, CONTINGENT-VALUATION QUESTIONS: FUNCTIONAL FORM IS IMPORTANT

A variety of questioning formats have been used in contingent-valuation studies, with dichotomous-choice questions becoming the preferred format. However, as with any empirical technique, continued applications raise questions that require attention if the credibility of the procedure is to be maintained. It is shown that estimated Hicksian surplus can be substantially affected by the selection of a functional form when analyzing responses to dichotomous-choice questions. Given that theory, intuition, and empiricism all play a role in developing these estimates, several maxims are suggested for evaluating and/or mitigating such effects in future studies.Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

OSU Commencement

Commencement address given by Kevin Boyle, Humanities Distinguished Professor of History, to the Autumn 2009 graduating class of The Ohio State University, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio, December 13, 2009

DYNAMIC LEARNING AND CONTEXT-DEPENDENCE IN SEQUENTIAL, ATTRIBUTE-BASED CONTINGENT VALUATION

A hybrid stated-preference model is developed that combines the referendum contingent valuation response format with an experimentally designed set of attributes. A sequence of valuation questions is asked to a random sample in a mail-out mail-back format. Econometric analysis shows that willingness to pay for policy attributes is formed dynamically.Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

NEEDLES IN A HAYSTACK: COST-EFFECTIVE SAMPLING OF MARINE SPORT ANGLERS

An obstacle to conducting economic studies of marine sport anglers is the difficulty and expense in drawing a representative sample. Unlike inland fishing, where licenses are required in all states, only selected states require a marine sport fishing license and these licenses usually only cover selected marine fishing activities. Currently, there are no low cost methods of obtaining a representative sample of marine anglers because they are generally not licensed, use multiple access points, and represent a small proportion of the general population. The difficulty and expense of drawing a representative sample may have stifled attempts to study marine anglers. We test alternative sampling strategies by comparing the characteristics of a representative sample of experienced marine anglers with the characteristics of two other samples using multivariate and univariate analysis techniques. We conclude a sample of marine anglers drawn from the population of licensed inland anglers is not significantly different from the representative sample of experienced marine anglers.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The European Experience: The European Convention on Human Rights

This article focuses on the European Convention on Human Rights and its Court of Human Rights.  It explains the relationship between the Council of Europe, the Convention, and the Court as a system that is also a working example of a regional human rights mechanism. Some important rights and freedoms affirmed under the Convention are detailed, as is the impact of the Court's decisions on other judicial bodies. The article also comments on some future challenges for the Court