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Revealed preference tests for weak separability: an integer programming approach

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  • Laurens CHERCHYE
  • Thomas DEMUYNCK
  • Bram DE ROCK

Abstract

We focus on the revealed preference conditions that characterize the collection of finite data sets that are consistent with the maximization of a weakly separable utility function. From a theoretical perspective, we show that verifying these revealed preference conditions is a difficult problem, i.e. it is np-complete. From a practical perspective, we present an integer programming approach that can verify the revealed preference conditions in a straightforward way, which is particularly attractive in view of empirical analysis. We demonstrate the versatility of this integer programming approach by showing that it also allows for testing homothetic separability and weak separability of the indirect utility function. We illustrate the practical usefulness of the approach by an empirical application to Spanish household consumption data.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurens CHERCHYE & Thomas DEMUYNCK & Bram DE ROCK, 2011. "Revealed preference tests for weak separability: an integer programming approach," Working Papers of Department of Economics, Leuven ces11.25, KU Leuven, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Department of Economics, Leuven.
    • Handle: RePEc:ete:ceswps:ces11.25
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    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C60 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - General
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General

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