Combining revealed and stated preference data to estimate the nonmarket value of ecological services: An assessment of the state of the science

This paper reviews the marketing, transportation and environmental economics literature on the joint estimation of revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) data. The RP and SP approaches are first described with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each. Recognizing these strengths and weaknesses, the potential gains from combining data are described. A classification system for combined data that emphasizes the type of data combination and the econometric models used is proposed. A methodological review of the literature is pursued based on this classification system. Examples from the environmental economics literature are highlighted. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of jointly estimated model is then presented. Suggestions for future research, in particular opportunities for application of these models to environmental quality valuation, are presented. © 2008 The Author. Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author Subhrendu K. Pattanayak Sanford School of Public Policy