A simulation evaluation of the maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) estimator for mixed multinomial probit models

This paper evaluates the ability of the maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) estimation approach to recover parameters from finite samples in mixed cross-sectional and panel multinomial probit models. Comparisons with the maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) estimation approach are also undertaken. The results indicate that the MACML approach recovers parameters much more accurately than the MSL approach in all model structures and covariance specifications. The MACML inference approach also estimates the parameters efficiently, with the asymptotic standard errors being, in general, only a small proportion of the true values. As importantly, the MACML inference approach takes only a very small fraction of the time needed for MSL estimation. In particular, the results suggest that, for the case of five random coefficients, the MACML approach is about 50 times faster than the MSL for the cross-sectional random coefficients case, about 15 times faster than the MSL for the panel inter-individual random coefficients case, and about 350 times or more faster than the MSL for the panel intra- and inter-individual random coefficients case. As the number of alternatives in the unordered-response model increases, one can expect even higher computational efficiency factors for the MACML over the MSL approach. Further, as should be evident in the panel intra- and inter-individual random coefficients case, the MSL is all but practically infeasible when the mixing structure leads to an explosion in the dimensionality of integration in the likelihood function, but these situations are handled with ease in the MACML approach. It is hoped that the MACML procedure will spawn empirical research into rich model specifications within the context of unordered multinomial choice modeling, including autoregressive random coefficients, dynamics in coefficients, space-time effects, and spatial/social interactions.     

Introducing non-normality of latent psychological constructs in choice modeling with an application to bicyclist route choice

In the current paper, we propose the use of a multivariate skew-normal (MSN) distribution function for the latent psychological constructs within the context of an integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model system. The multivariate skew-normal (MSN) distribution that we use is tractable, parsimonious in parameters that regulate the distribution and its skewness, and includes the normal distribution as a special interior point case (this allows for testing with the traditional ICLV model). Our procedure to accommodate non-normality in the psychological constructs exploits the latent factor structure of the ICLV model, and is a flexible, yet very efficient approach (through dimension-reduction) to accommodate a multivariate non-normal structure across all indicator and outcome variables in a multivariate system through the specification of a much lower-dimensional multivariate skew-normal distribution for the structural errors. Taste variations (i.e., heterogeneity in sensitivity to response variables) can also be introduced efficiently and in a non-normal fashion through interactions of explanatory variables with the latent variables. The resulting model we develop is suitable for estimation using Bhat’s (2011) maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) inference approach. The proposed model is applied to model bicyclists’ route choice behavior using a web-based survey of Texas bicyclists. The results reveal evidence for non-normality in the latent constructs. From a substantive point of view, the results suggest that the most unattractive features of a bicycle route are long travel times (for commuters), heavy motorized traffic volume, absence of a continuous bicycle facility, and high parking occupancy rates and long lengths of parking zones along the route.     

基于混合Logit模型的旅客对短途高速铁路列车选择行为

以南京到上海和南京到杭州的短途高速铁路客流为背景,应用行为调查法与意向调查法开展客流调查,获取客流数据.基于选择行为理论,以旅客对列车的选择作为因变量,旅客个体特征、出行特征、列车服务水平作为白变量,基于多项式Logit模型构建混合Logit模型,拟合客流调查数据.结果 表明:混合Logit模型的拟合优度高于多项式Lo...     

Investigating the effect of travel time variability on drivers' route choice decisions in Shanghai,China

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of travel time variability on drivers' route choice behavior in the context of Shanghai, China. A stated preference survey is conducted to collect drivers' hypothetical choice between two alternative routes with designated unequal travel time and travel time variability. A binary choice model is developed to quantify trade-offs between travel time and travel time variability across various types of drivers. In the model, travel time and travel time variability are, respectively, measured by expectation and standard deviation of random travel time. The model shows that travel time and travel time variability on a route exert similarly negative effects on drivers' route choice behavior. In particular, it is found that middle-age drivers are more sensitive to travel time variability and less likely to choose a route with travel time uncertainty than younger and elder drivers. In addition, it is shown that taxi drivers are more sensitive to travel time and more inclined to choose a route with less travel time. Drivers with rich driving experience are less likely to choose a route with travel time uncertainty.     

Investigating the nature and impact of reporting bias in road crash data

This paper investigates the nature, and impact of the reporting bias associated with the police-reported crash data on inferences made using this data. In doing so, we merge a detailed emergency room data and police-reported crash data for a specific region in Denmark. To disentangle potentially common observable and unobservable factors that affect drivers’ injury severity risk and their crash reporting behavior, we formulate a bivariate ordered-response probit model of injury severity risk and crash reporting propensity. To empirically identify the reporting bias in this joint model, we exploit an exogenous police reform that particularly affects some specific municipalities of the region under consideration. The empirical analysis reveals substantial reporting bias in the commonly used police-reported road crash data. This non-random sample selection associated with the police-reported crash data leads to biased estimates on the effect of some of the explanatory variables in injury severity analysis. For instance, estimates based on the police-reported crash data substantially underestimate the effectiveness of seat belt use in reducing drivers’ injury severity risk.     

基于MNL模型的私人小汽车出行时间选择研究

应用MNL模型和方法,引入影响出行者出发时间选择行为的个人、家庭和社会经济属性、出行特征等因素,构造私人小汽车使用者出发时间选择模型,着力挖掘影响私人小汽车使用者出发时间选择的关键因素,可为制定有效的管理措施提供理论依据和数据支持。     

出行方式决策的随机效用模型研究

基于随机效用理论的多项logit(MNL)模型常用来解决多方案选择问题。介绍了该模型进行个体出行模式决策分析的方法,建立了线性效用函数假设条件下,个体出行模式选择概率与模式特性变量之间的近似线性关系。最后通过一个两模式决策分析的简例说明该模型的用法及灵敏度分析方法。     

A discrete–continuous model of households’ vehicle choice and usage, with an application to the effects of residential density

This paper develops a new method to solve multivariate discrete–continuous problems and applies the model to measure the influence of residential density on households’ vehicle fuel efficiency and usage choices. Traditional discrete–continuous modelling of vehicle holding choice and vehicle usage becomes unwieldy with large numbers of vehicles and vehicle categories. I propose a more flexible method of modelling vehicle holdings in terms of number of vehicles in each category, using a Bayesian multivariate ordinal response system. I also combine the multivariate ordered equations with Tobit equations to jointly estimate vehicle type/usage demand in a reduced form, offering a simpler alternative to the traditional discrete/continuous analysis. Using the 2001 National Household Travel Survey data, I find that increasing residential density reduces households’ truck holdings and utilization in a statistically significant but economically insignificant way. The results are broadly consistent with those from a model derived from random utility maximization. The method developed above can be applied to other discrete–continuous problems.     

Estimation of the shore excursion expenditure function during cruise tourism in Korea

Recently, the number of foreign tourists to Korea via cruise ships has increased dramatically. We attempted to estimate the shore excursion expenditure function during cruise tourism in Korea. To this end, we collected data from a survey of foreign tourists who visited Korea via cruise ships and conducted the ordered probit model with sample selection to correct for the sample selection bias. Statistical tests indicate that the sample selection model provides unbiased estimates of the ordered probit model. The estimation results reveal that the coefficients of the experience of visiting Korea, job status, annual income, and nationality have statistically significant relationships with shopping expenditure. Further, it is likely that Chinese and Japanese passengers spend more money on shopping than passengers from other countries. This study is expected to provide the Korean government and port authorities with useful information for targeting passengers with high shore excursion expenditure. From a management perspective, the results of this analysis will enable cruise operators to design shore excursion programs that meet travelers’ needs.