Comparison of statistical analysis methods for object case best–worst scaling

Abstract

Aims: Different methods have been used to analyze “object case” best–worst scaling (BWS). This study aims to compare the most common statistical analysis methods for object case BWS (i.e. the count analysis, multinomial logit, mixed logit, latent class analysis, and hierarchical Bayes estimation) and to analyze their potential advantages and limitations based on an applied example.

Methods: Data were analyzed using the five analysis methods. Ranking results were compared among the methods, and methods that take respondent heterogeneity into account were presented specifically. A BWS object case survey with 22 factors was used as a case study, tested among 136 policy-makers and HTA experts from the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the UK to assess the most important barriers to HTA usage.

Results: Overall, the five statistical methods yielded similar rankings, particularly in the extreme ends. Latent class analysis identified five clusters and the mixed logit model revealed significant preference heterogeneity for all, with the exception of three factors.

Limitations: The variety of software used to analyze BWS data may affect the results. Moreover, this study focuses solely on the comparison of different analysis methods for the BWS object case.

Conclusions: The most common statistical methods provide similar rankings of the factors. Therefore, for main preference elicitation, count analysis may be considered as a valid and simple first-choice approach. However, the latent class and mixed logit models reveal additional information: identifying latent segments and/or recognizing respondent heterogeneity.     

Choice under uncertainty with the best and worst in mind: Neo-additive capacities

We develop the simplest generalization of subjective expected utility that can accommodate both optimistic and pessimistic attitudes towards uncertainty—Choquet expected utility with non-extreme-outcome-additive (neo-additive) capacities. A neo-additive capacity can be expressed as the convex combination of a probability and a special capacity, we refer to as a Hurwicz capacity, that only distinguishes between whether an event is impossible, possible or certain. We show that neo-additive capacities can be readily applied in economic problems, and we provide an axiomatization in a framework of purely subjective uncertainty.     

中国:奥巴马面临的初次考验

《商业周刊》2009年1月12日全球经济衰退能够暴露出贸易伙伴最糟糕的一面。由于国内需求疲软,中国和美国的制造商纷纷遭遇产能过剩的问题。     

尼罗河的希望

尼罗河是世界上最长的河流。千百年来，它用河水养育了流域的居民。然而，由于人口增长和生态的破坏，尼罗河的水资源出现了危机。为获取有限的水资源，人们开始争斗甚至真枪实弹地相互残杀，流域内有四个国家被列入世界最贫穷的十个国家名单之中。在危机中，流域各国意识到争斗只会造成贫困，只有通过前所未有的国际合作才能从合理利用尼罗河资源中共同受益。本文记录了造成尼罗河水资源危机的原因和背景，展示了人们发起“尼罗河流域倡议行动”以最终实现保护环境。消除贫困、实现和平的各种设想和愿望。     

Impact management,worst scenatrio: possible technological strategic options

Analysis of the present situation and future predictions leaves no doubt of the inevitability of progressive degradation of the ecosytem. A worst scenatio is an option which has to be considered in any strategic planning. Mistaken assessment, focussing on modern technology as teh cause rather than the agent porducing the current devastation, has called for its drastic curtailment. This would not help matters—in fact, technology may yet save the situation: by building refuges, in attempting to reverse the processes which undermine it, and in helping adaptations to present conditions, not only throuht mechanical devices but also through bioengineering. concurrently the main reasons for the plight of the planet—over-population, overkill and waste—have to be tackled. This can only be accomplished by a complete change in ethical standards—the taming of the ’genetic ethics‘ of growth and dominance and the institution of a new mnorality.     

Parallel search for the best alternative

I wish to thank Ken Burdett, James Foster, Dale Mortensen and Kevin Roberts for many helpful suggestions. Thanks are also due to the comments of the participants at seminars at University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, University of Pittsburgh, and those at the Midwestern Math Economics Conference (1989) and Econometric Society Summer Meetings (1990). Research supported by NSF Grant SES-8708325.     

Impact management, worst scenatrio: possible technological strategic options

Analysis of the present situation and future predictions leaves no doubt of the inevitability of progressive degradation of the ecosytem. A worst scenatio is an option which has to be considered in any strategic planning. Mistaken assessment, focussing on modern technology as teh cause rather than the agent porducing the current devastation, has called for its drastic curtailment. This would not help matters—in fact, technology may yet save the situation: by building refuges, in attempting to reverse the processes which undermine it, and in helping adaptations to present conditions, not only throuht mechanical devices but also through bioengineering. concurrently the main reasons for the plight of the planet—over-population, overkill and waste—have to be tackled. This can only be accomplished by a complete change in ethical standards—the taming of the 'genetic ethics' of growth and dominance and the institution of a new mnorality.     

The simplest, best cure for our health-care crisis

Could national health insurance (NHI) cap the explosive rise in medical costs and at the same time give everyone access to health care? More and more people believe so, and for the first time in 20 years NHI proposals are being taken seriously in Washington. But the author contends NHI proponents have misread the causes for America's health-care crisis, and have been misled in their search for a solution by the example of the Canadian health system. All we really need she says, is a home-grown reform that's surprisingly simple and remarkably inexpensive.     

Nash equilibrium search for the best alternative

In a recent paper, Weitzman (Econometrica47 (1979) 641–654) described a policy of “optimal search for the best alternative.” The present paper is concerned with the development and characterization of a policy of “Nash equilibrium search for the best alternative.” Specifically, it is shown that, under certain monotonicity assumptions, and under the assumption that firms have incomplete information regarding the results of rivals' search behavior, a Nash equilibrium search policy exists and has the same form as Weitzman's optimal search policy.