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Abstract
In recent years, in the field of consumer behaviour, a large number of new models and instruments
for preference analysis have been proposed. This strand of the literature has developed
along two different lines. The first has produced approaches that have a more solid economic
basis, but which at the same time require increasingly complex econometric analysis. Moreover,
in this research field, based on stochastic utility theory and choice experiments, less weight is
given to the socio-economic and psychometric characteristics of the individual in determining
preferences. By contrast, the second strand has given rise to many methods to analyse consumer
behaviour based on quality approaches such as laddering or focus groups where behavioural
characteristics and lifestyles have regained primary importance in explaining the choices and
“tastes” of individuals.