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Theoretical Underpinnings of the Gravity Hypothesis
Author(s) -
Sheppard Eric S.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
geographical analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.773
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1538-4632
pISSN - 0016-7363
DOI - 10.1111/j.1538-4632.1978.tb00666.x
Subject(s) - axiom , probabilistic logic , econometrics , mathematical economics , statistical physics , mathematics , physics , statistics , geometry
Various theoretical rationalizations of the gravity hypothesis for spatial interaction are examined. Deterministic utility theory cannot account for variability in individual behavior. Choice models based on Luce's axiom contain some inconsistencies. Random utility theory provides a probabilistic formulation that is internally consistent, and also solves the aggregation problem. However, investigation reveals that, although this provides a theoretical justification for gravity‐like behavior, the assumptions made are sufficiently unrealistic to cast doubt on the empirical validity of the gravity hypothesis.