Disentangling Preferences and Learning in Brand Choice Models

50 Pages Posted: 18 Jun 2011

See all articles by Sangwoo Shin

Sangwoo Shin

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Sanjog Misra

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Dan Horsky

Simon Graduate School of Business, University of Rochester

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: June 16, 2011

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing stream of literature in marketing and economics that models consumers as Bayesian learners. Such learning behavior is often embedded within a discrete choice framework which is then calibrated on scanner panel data. At the same time it is now accepted wisdom that disentangling preference heterogeneity and state dependence is critical in any attempt to understand either construct. We posit that this confounding often carries through to Bayesian learning models. That is, the failure to adequately account for preference heterogeneity may result in over/under estimation of the learning process since this heterogeneity is also reflected in the initial conditions. Using a unique dataset that contains stated preferences (survey) and actual purchase data (scanner panel) for the same group of consumer, we attempt to untangle the effects of preference heterogeneity and state dependence, where the latter arises from Bayesian learning. Our results are striking and suggest that measured brand beliefs can predict choices quite well and moreover that in the absence of such measured preference information the Bayesian learning behavior for consumer packaged goods is vastly overstated. The inclusion of preference information significantly reduces evidence for aggregate-level learning and substantially changes the nature of individual-level learning. Using individual-level outcomes, we illustrate why the lack of preference information leads to faulty inferences

Keywords: Bayesian Learning, Brand Choice, Heterogeneity, Preferences, State Dependence, MCMC

JEL Classification: M31, C11, C25, D83

Suggested Citation

Shin, Sangwoo and Misra, Sanjog and Horsky, Dan, Disentangling Preferences and Learning in Brand Choice Models (June 16, 2011). Simon School Working Paper No. FR 11-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1865866 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1865866

Sangwoo Shin

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Sanjog Misra (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Dan Horsky

Simon Graduate School of Business, University of Rochester ( email )

Carol Simon Hall 3-210
Rochester, NY 14627
United States
585-275-4483 (Phone)

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