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Analysis of “Don't Know” Responses to Referendum Contingent Valuation Questions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 September 2016

Michel K. Haener  and
Wiktor L. Adamowicz
Michel K. Haener
Affiliation:
Department of Rural Economy, University Alberta
Wiktor L. Adamowicz
Affiliation:
Department of Rural Economy, University Alberta
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Abstract

This paper considers the treatment of “don't know” (DK) responses to referendum contingent valuation questions. The determinants of DK responses are empirically analyzed using a data set from a survey of old growth forest valuation. It is found that DK respondents possess unique characteristics that differentiate them from Yes and No respondents. These findings do not support the most common treatments of DK responses that are currently used. Responses to an open-ended question included in the survey are used to provide further insight into the preferences of DK respondents.

Type
Articles
Information
Agricultural and Resource Economics Review , Volume 27 , Issue 2 , October 1998 , pp. 218 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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