Exploring the possibility of combining discrete choice modelling and social networks analysis: an application to the analysis of weather-related uncertainty in long-distance travel behaviour
Last modified: 27 June 2011
Abstract
One deviation from the traditional theory of choice is that individuals, when facing a decision, are affected by the choices and behaviours of others. This discussion paper explores the way that this can be taken into account in discrete choice stated preference (SP) experiments. In particular, the possibility of integrating, to various extents, SP experiments and Social Networks Analysis (SNA) is discussed. Issues relating to social interactions in discrete choice are presented, as drawn from existing literature in economics and transportation. This is supplemented by work in progress on a study which attempts to analyse the way long-distance travellers react to uncertainty caused by extreme weather conditions. Finally, a number of theoretical, practical and empirical challenges are discussed, including the role of respondents reporting preferences of members of their networks, the information required on network members, and the treatment of endogeneity in the analysis.
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