STRUCTURE OF DISAGGREGATE BEHAVIORAL CHOICE MODELS

This paper reviews the foundations of some of the choice models most frequently used in transportation planning and outlines the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches in the analysis of travel behavior. The first part deals with algebraic utility theory. The foundations of the textbook approach are briefly reviewed and an evaluation is made of the characteristics and economics of time allocation models. The different algebraic utility structures implied by the algebraic demand models most frequently found in practice are discussed. The second part of the paper attempts to link economic utility theory to that approach developed in mathematical psychology, and the distinction is made between fixed and random preference models. The practical models in this field are derived from a probabilistic choice approach, and the development of the well-known logit formula is briefly outlined. Certain similarities to the separability properties discussed in the first part of the paper are indicated. The paper closes with suggestions of the direction of further development of simultaneous models or new theoretical support for particular choice sequences or both.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr149/sr149-015.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0360859X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. Presented at a conference in South Berwick, Maine, July 8-13, 1973, sponsored by TRB, DOT and the Engineering Foundation.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Hansen, Stein
• Publication Date: 1974

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 143-158
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Special Report
  • Issue Number: 149
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0360-859X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Disaggregate analysis; Economics; Mathematical models; Structures; Travel demand; Utility theory
• Uncontrolled Terms: Models
• Old TRIS Terms: Behavioral objectives; Disaggregate models
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Economics; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00081606
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 8 1975 12:00AM