Enhancing the content validity of stated preference valuation: The structure and function of ecological indicators

Authors

Robert J. Johnston, Clark UniversityFollow
Eric T. Schultz, University of Connecticut
Kathleen Segerson, University of Connecticut
Elena Y. Besedin, Abt Associates, Inc.
Mahesh Ramachandran, Clark University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Stated preference surveys often provide ambiguous descriptions of ecological commodities, yielding welfare estimates that have unclear interpretations and cannot be linked to measurable outcomes. This paper proposes guidelines to promote ecological content validity in survey scenarios and defensible use of ecological information for welfare analysis. These guidelines are illustrated through an application to migratory fish restoration. Content validity is evaluated vis-à-vis norms for communication of ecological changes in the ecological literature. Findings suggest that less structured treatment of ecological commodities may lead to an omission of information that is relevant to respondents and essential for valid welfare estimation. © 2012 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.

Publication Title

Land Economics

Publication Date

2012

Volume

88

Issue

1

First Page

102

Last Page

120

ISSN

0023-7639

DOI

10.3368/le.88.1.102

Repository Citation

Johnston, Robert J.; Schultz, Eric T.; Segerson, Kathleen; Besedin, Elena Y.; and Ramachandran, Mahesh, "Enhancing the content validity of stated preference valuation: The structure and function of ecological indicators" (2012). Economics. 190.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_economics/190

Cross Post Location

Student Publications