Controlling for overdispersion in grouped conditional logit models: A computationally simple application of Dirichlet‐multinomial regression

In this article, we provide a random utility-based derivation of the Dirichlet-multinomial regression and propose it as a convenient alternative for dealing with overdispersed multinomial data. We show that this model is a natural extension of McFadden's conditional logit for grouped data and discuss its relationship with count models. Finally, we use a data set on patient choice of hospitals to illustrate an application of the Dirichlet-multinomial regression. Copyright Royal Economic Society 2007