We compare the ability of three preference elicitation methods (hypothetical choices, non-hypothetical choices, and non-hypothetical rankings) and three discrete-choice econometric models (the multinomial logit, the independent availability logit, and the random parameter logit) to predict...

In this paper, we examine the impact of reductions in barriers to migration on the consumption of rural households in China. We find that increased migration from rural villages leads to significant increases in consumption per capita, and that this effect is stronger for poorer households...

This paper investigates the impact of geographical origin labels on consumers' preferences. Specifically, we consider the preferences of Canadian consumers for extra virgin olive oils marketed with country-of-origin labels (COOL) and geographical indications (GIs). In contrast to previous...

Farm operators are an integral part of some rural economies. The businesses they operate often hire seasonal and full-time employees and purchase goods and services from local farm implement dealers, input suppliers, and financial institutions. Farm household spending on food, furniture and...

Replaced with revised version of paper 07/24/08.

Using insights from economics, pediatrics, psychology, and sociology, this paper examines the effects of income, income inequality, neighborhood characteristics, maternal health, the participation in religious services, breastfeeding, household smoking, and racial/ethnic composition of...

Replaced with revised version of paper 07/22/08.

We take a structural approach to examine the effects of larger container size on consumption of carbonated soft drinks---using Nielsen Company's Homescan data on household purchases for the years 2004 through 2006. Our results show that by removing the price discount implicit in packages with...

Problems of overweight and obesity among children have increased in China and pose a problem both for individuals as well as for public social and health care systems. This study explores factors contributing to weight problems among children age 6 to 18 years old in urban China. Data come from...

Consumers indicate on surveys that price and freshness are important to their purchase decisions. If this is true, then why don’t retailers sell milk differentiated by the date it was pasteurized or why are meats not displayed with several different prices based on time since butchering? Our...