Nonparametric Identification of Multinomial Choice Demand Models with Heterogeneous Consumers

Steven T. Berry () and Philip A. Haile
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Steven T. Berry: Cowles Foundation, Yale University, http://cowles.econ.yale.edu/faculty/berry.htm

No 1718, Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers from Cowles Foundation, Yale University

Abstract: We consider identification of nonparametric random utility models of multinomial choice using "micro data," i.e., observation of the characteristics and choices of individual consumers. Our model of preferences nests random coefficients discrete choice models widely used in practice with parametric functional form and distributional assumptions. However, the model is nonparametric and distribution free. It allows choice-specific unobservables, endogenous choice characteristics, unknown heteroskedasticity, and high-dimensional correlated taste shocks. Under standard "large support" and instrumental variables assumptions, we show identifiability of the random utility model. We demonstrate robustness of these results to relaxation of the large support condition and show that when it is replaced with a weaker "common choice probability" condition, the demand structure is still identified. We show that key maintained hypotheses are testable.

Keywords: Nonparametric identification; Discrete choice demand; Differentiated products (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C35 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-bec, nep-dcm, nep-ecm, nep-mic and nep-mkt
Date: 2009-09
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Working Paper: Nonparametric Identification of Multinomial Choice Demand Models with Heterogeneous Consumers (2009)
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