The effects of data collection methods on calorie-expenditure elasticity estimates: a study from the Dominican Republic

Using data from a nationally representative household survey in the Dominic an Republic, we find that the estimates of calorie-expenditure elasticity v ary widely depending upon the form of calorie variable used. Estimated elas ticity is lower for calories purchased than for calories prepared for consu mption in the home. The divergence between the estimates increases at highe r income levels. There is a downward bias in the estimates obtained from pu rchase data due to some missing information on infrequent bulk purchases an d greater memory lapse in recalling purchases. We conclude that surveys und ertaken to estimate calorie-income elasticity should measure calories from consumption data. If purchase data are used, the period of recall should be flexible and defined by the respondent for each commodity sep that infrequ ent purchases are captured. Survey methods should be standardized if elasti city estimates are to be compared across populations. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.