A new GLO Discussion Paper proposes a simple solution to the independence of irrelevant alternatives (IIA) problem in the Choo and Siow (2006) model. The original marriage matching function gets modified by an adjustment factor that improves its empirical properties.

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GLO Discussion Paper No. 387, 2019

A Simple Solution to the Problem of Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives in Choo and Siow Marriage Market Model – Download PDF
by Gutierrez, Federico H.

GLO Fellow Federico H. Gutierrez

Author Abstract: This paper proposes a simple solution to the independence of irrelevant alternatives (IIA) problem in Choo and Siow (2006) model, overcoming what is probably the main limitation of this approach. The solution consists of assuming match-specific rather than choice-specific random preferences. The original marriage matching function gets modified by an adjustment factor that improves its empirical properties. Using the American Community Survey, I show that the new approach yields significantly different results affecting the qualitative conclusions of the analysis. The proposed solution to the IIA problem applies to other settings in which the relative “supply” of choices is observable.

GLO Discussion Papers are research and policy papers of the GLO Network which are widely circulated to encourage discussion. Provided in cooperation with EconStor, a service of the ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, GLO Discussion Papers are among others listed in RePEc (see IDEAS,  EconPapers). Complete list of all GLO DPs – downloadable for free.

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