Branching-independent random utility model

Elchin Suleymanov

Journal of Economic Theory, 2024, vol. 220, issue C

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.

Keywords: Stochastic choice; Random utility model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D01 D11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:220:y:2024:i:c:s0022053124000863

DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2024.105880

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