Econometrica: Mar, 2017, Volume 85, Issue 2
Single-Crossing Random Utility Models
https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA14230
p. 661-674
Jose Apesteguia, Miguel A. Ballester, Jay Lu
We propose a novel model of stochastic choice: the single‐crossing random utility model (SCRUM). This is a random utility model in which the collection of preferences satisfies the single‐crossing property. We offer a characterization of SCRUMs based on two easy‐to‐check properties: the classic Monotonicity property and a novel condition, Centrality. The identified collection of preferences and associated probabilities is unique. We show that SCRUMs nest both single‐peaked and single‐dipped random utility models and establish a stochastic monotone comparative result for the case of SCRUMs.