Farm-level nonparametric analysis of cost-minimization and profit-maximization behavior
用非参数方法检验289个堪萨斯农场是否遵循利润最大化和成本最小化行为，发现多数农场违反利润最大化假设，但违反成本最小化的证据较弱。
This study investigates non-parametrically the optimizing behavior of a sample of 289 Kansas farms under profit-maximization and cost-minimization hypotheses. The study uses both deterministic and stochastic non-parametric tests. The deterministic results do not support strict adherence to either optimization hypothesis. The stochastic tests suggest that all 289 farms fail the profit-maximization hypothesis, whereas 171 farms failed the cost-minimization hypothesis. Allowing for non-regressive technical change does not alter the basic results; 276 farms violate the profit-maximization hypothesis and 138 violate the cost-minimization hypothesis. The evidence against cost-minimization behavior seems to be far less substantial than that against profit-maximization behavior.