Alternative nested logit model structures and the special case of partial degeneracy

Partially degenerate nested legit (NL) models have broad applicability in r egional science. However, the literature on them is relatively sparse and c onfusion exists on some aspects of identification and related matters. This paper addresses a number of conceptual and econometric aspects of partiall y degenerate NL models. These include identification, scaling, invariance, and consistency with the utility-maximizing postulate that underlies discre te choice analysis. This is accomplished within the larger, encompassing fr amework of nondegenerate NL models of which the partially degenerate model is a special case.