Willingness to Pay for Quality Improvements: Comparative Statics and Interpretation of Contingent Valuation Results

This paper extends variation function theory by examining the effects of changes in prices, quality, and income on willingness to pay for quality change. Comparative static effects are found for both on-site users and nonusers of the resource. These results are used to interpret contingent valuation empirical models. For example, the substitution and complementary relationships between trips to natural resource sites can be identified. This paper also suggests tests for comparison of contingent valuation with recreation demand models and other tests of validity.