The Application of Choice Experiment Method in Study of Choice of Urban Residential Environment

Residential environment and its selection process are the main issues in studies of urban planning. Uncertainty and complexity of human behavior، both citizens and decision-makers، will effect on the selection process. Recently، economic valuation methods have been used to study the factors and reproductive rules affecting the choice of residents. In this regard، the choice experiment method (CEM) has steadily gained ground. Over more than three decades has passed since the advent and widespread use of CEM. However، in our country، this method has received less attention. This paper introduces the application of the CEM in the study of urban residential environment. The results of this study show that CEM can measure the environmental values. But، these values have been less considered in urban projects. Some of the advantages of using this method include: identifying and ranking environmental values، measuring willingness to pay (WTP)، assessing policies، and providing recommendations to improve existing situation.