Applying the dissonance-minimising format to value cultural heritage in developing countries

Abstract

We adapt the dissonance-minimising (DM) format proposed by Blamey et al. [Land Economics, 75 (1999) 126] in a dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey to estimate the economic benefits of preserving a cultural heritage site in Vietnam. We find that the DM format can be successfully applied to avoid biases because of yea-saying in a developing country context. © 2009 The Author Journal compilation © 2009 Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society Inc. and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.