My "best of" 2014 ... scholarly articles I published

I have scholarly articles published in 2014. (Yes, it was a good year - although there is a bit of variance in the timing.  I don't think I was less productive in 2013, but things just seemed to get published in 2014.)  Below are the citations and the links to each:

1. Rousu,M., S. Marette, J. Thrasher, and J. Lusk. (2014). “The Economic Value to Smokers of Graphic Warning Labels onCigarettes: Evidence from Combining Market and Experimental AuctionsData”.  Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 108: 123-134.

Abstract

Many countries now require prominent pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) on the front and back of cigarette packages. In the US, pictorial HWLs have been adopted, but tobacco industry litigation has delayed their implementation. This intervention could have value to smokers, if it increases their information and changes their smoking behavior. In this paper we estimate the value of two different health warning labels for cigarette packages relative to the current US labeling policy. Our methodology does not depend on the personal values of policy makers or other individuals, as the value of information estimates we derive are based solely on smokers’ own consumption choices, not any public health or other effects. We introduce an approach to valuing information with a surplus measure that couples willingness-to-pay from non-hypothetical experimental auctions with time-series revealed preference demand estimates. We find that a pictorial HWL has a large value to smokers, and a higher value than a label that only contains text, insofar as changing purchase behavior.

                            

2. Corrigan, J., M. Rousu, and D. Depositario.  (2014). “Do Practice Rounds AffectExperimental Auction Results.”  Economics Letters, 123: 42-44.

Abstract

Researchers use practice rounds to familiarize participants with experimental auction mechanisms. We find a positive correlation between practice bids and bids submitted in later rounds. We consider three explanations for this correlation: a behavioral anchoring effect, a tendency for some auction participants to be more free-spending, and misconception of the experimental auction’s demand revealing qualities

3. “Examining the relationship betweenpsychosocial and behavioral proxies for future consumption behavior: self-reportedimpact and bidding behavior in an experimental auction study on cigarettelabeling.”  Health Education Behavior, 29 (2): 183-194.

Abstract

Experimental and observational research often involves asking consumers to self-report the impact of some proposed option. Because self-reported responses involve no consequence to the respondent for falsely revealing how he or she feels about an issue, self-reports may be subject to social desirability and other influences that bias responses in important ways. In this article, we analyzed data from an experiment on the impact of cigarette packaging and pack warnings, comparing smokers' self-reported impact (four-item scale) and the bids they placed in experimental auctions to estimate differences in demand. The results were consistent across methods; however, the estimated effect size associated with different warning labels was two times greater for the four-item self-reported response scale when compared to the change in demand as indicated by auction bids. Our study provides evidence that self-reported psychosocial responses provide a valid proxy for behavioral change as reflected by experimental auction bidding behavior. More research is needed to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of behavioral economic methods and traditional self-report approaches to evaluating health behavior change interventions.

4.  “The impact of product information and trialson demand for smokeless tobacco and cigarettes: Evidence from experimentalauctions.”  Preventive Medicine, 60: 3-9.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Epidemiological and toxicological evidence suggests lower risk of smokeless tobacco (ST) products compared to cigarettes. Less is known, however, about consumer perceptions and use of novel forms of ST, including snus and dissolvable tobacco.

METHODS:

In this study, we conducted in-person experimental auctions in Buffalo, NY, Columbia, SC, and Selinsgrove, PA with 571 smokers to test the impact of information and product trials on smokers' preferences. Auctions were conducted between November 2010-November 2011.

RESULTS:

We found no evidence of an impact of product trials on demand in our auctions. Anti-ST information increased demand for cigarettes when presented alone, but when presented with pro-ST information it decreased demand for cigarettes. It did not decrease demand for ST products. Anti-smoking information increased demand for ST products, but did not affect cigarette demand.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest that credible and effective communications about tobacco harm reduction should reinforce the negative effects of smoking.

5. “Simulated Demandand Cross-Price Elasticity for Snus, Dissolvable Tobacco, and Nicotine Lozengeas Alternatives to Cigarettes.”  American Journal of Health Behavior.  38(1):103-13

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To explore how advertising affects demand for cigarettes and potential substitutes, including snus, dissolvable tobacco, and medicinal nicotine.

METHODS:

A Web-based experiment randomized 1062 smokers to see advertisements for alternative nicotine products or soft drinks, then complete a series of purchase tasks, which were used to estimate demand elasticity, peak consumption, and cross-price elasticity (CPE) for tobacco products.

RESULTS:

Lower demand elasticity and greater peak consumption were seen for cigarettes compared to all alternative products (p < .05). CPE did not differ across the alternative products (p ≤ .03). Seeing relevant advertisements was not significantly related to demand.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest significantly lower demand for alternative nicotine sources among smokers than previously revealed.