Frontiers in Modeling Discrete Choice Experiments: A Benefit Transfer Perspective

Abstract

Given increasing survey costs, transferring model estimates obtained from one location and survey and applying them to another location is becoming increasingly appealing. The transfer of previously estimated model outputs to new application contexts has the potential to reduce the need for new large-scale data collection in the new application context as well as reduce the effort required to develop new models. As such, significant savings in cost and time can be achieved. Nevertheless, advantages in time and cost savings may be outweighed due to biases introduced if the transferred model does not adequately represent the behavior of individuals in the new application context. This chapter explores what benefits transfer means within the context of discrete choice experiments and outlines the challenges and possible improvements that could be made.