Contingent Valuation: A Critical Assessment

The papers in this volume present a quite critical assessment of contingent valuation (CV). CV is a survey method that attempts to estimate individual values for economic goods by asking people hypothetical questions about their willingness to pay for such goods. In economics, CV has previously been studied almost solely by economists specializing in environmental economics. This book, however, reports research which is mainly from economists with specialities in economic theory, econometrics, and public finance, rather than from the more narrowly focused research of environmental economists. In addition, the research of specialists in psychology, market research, and litigation is included.