Abstract: Contingent valuation method (CVM) is a kind of stated preference (SP) approaches which employs a hypothetical market to extract WTP or WTA for environmental goods. CVM has become one of the most widely used non-market valuation techniques due to its ability and flexibility to estimate total value, including non-use value. Based on a general review, the paper summarizes the main problems and controversies concerning CVM, namely, the involvement of non-use value into cost-benefit analysis, and validity and reliability of the results. According to the turning point in CVM studies after 1993, tests of validity and reliability are specially illustrated. A concluding remark is then presented and further study areas put it forward. It is believed that even in developing countries like China, CVM is still a promising method to value environmental goods, on the premise of extremely careful and proper conduction of the survey including questionnaire design, survey administration and data processing.

Key words: contingent valuation method (CVM), environmental valuation, validity and reliability test

摘要： 条件估值法（CVM）是一种利用假想市场评估环境物品价值的方法，凭借方法本身的灵活性、广泛的适用性和强大的提供数据来源的能力，40年来在环境价值评估领域的重要性不断上升。系统总结了CVM研究中存在的主要问题与争议，争议主要围绕非使用价值评估和假想市场所获数据的有效性与可靠性。针对CVM在1993年后研究热点的转变和国际研究动向，论述了其有效性和可靠性检验问题。最后对CVM进行了展望与评价，认为即使对中国这样的发展中国家，CVM仍为一种富有前景的环境资源价值评估方法，不过必须建立在对CVM调查各个环节的精心设计、严谨实施和审慎分析的基础上。

关键词: 条件估值法（CVM）, 环境资源价值, 有效性和可靠性检验