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Branching-independent random utility model

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  • Suleymanov, Elchin

Abstract

This paper introduces a subclass of the Random Utility Model (RUM), called branching-independent RUM. In this subclass, the probability distribution over the ordinal rankings of alternatives satisfies the following property: for any k∈{1,…,n−1}, where n denotes the number of alternatives, when fixing the first k and the last n−k alternatives, the relative rankings of the first k and the last n−k alternatives are independent. Branching-independence is motivated by the classical example due to Fishburn (1998), which illustrates the non-uniqueness problem in random utility models. Surprisingly, branching-independent RUM is characterized by the Block-Marschak condition, which also characterizes general RUM. In fact, I show that a construction similar to the one used in Falmagne (1978) generates a branching-independent RUM. In addition, within the class of branching-independent RUMs, the probability distribution over preferences is uniquely determined. Hence, while branching-independent RUM has the same explanatory power as general RUM, it is uniquely identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Suleymanov, Elchin, 2024. "Branching-independent random utility model," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:220:y:2024:i:c:s0022053124000863
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2024.105880
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chambers,Christopher P. & Echenique,Federico, 2016. "Revealed Preference Theory," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107087804, January.
    2. Barbera, Salvador & Pattanaik, Prasanta K, 1986. "Falmagne and the Rationalizability of Stochastic Choices in Terms of Random Orderings," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 54(3), pages 707-715, May.
    3. Faruk Gul & Wolfgang Pesendorfer, 2006. "Random Expected Utility," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 74(1), pages 121-146, January.
    4. Turansick, Christopher, 2022. "Identification in the random utility model," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    5. Morgan McClellon, 2015. "Unique Random Utility Representations," Working Paper 262661, Harvard University OpenScholar.
    6. Clark, Stephen A, 1996. "The Random Utility Model with an Infinite Choice Space," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 7(1), pages 179-189, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Angelo Petralia, 2024. "Harmful choices," Papers 2408.01317, arXiv.org, revised Dec 2024.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stochastic choice; Random utility model;

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory

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