Abstract

Following best practice in stated preference guidelines we use scientific information to develop a realistic hypothetical scenario for stormwater management and water quality improvements in a stated preference valuation survey. We then provide different treatment levels of the scientific information to survey respondents. Using a hybrid choice model, we find that scientific information has no direct influence on referendum votes in favor of a stormwater management program. However, different levels of scientific information have an indirect influence by changing concern about stormwater runoff or by changing perceived understanding of the stormwater management plan. Both of these effects have implications for valuing a stormwater management plan. We suggest that researchers should be aware of how their choice on the information provided may influence responses to a stated preference survey.