4.9. Accounting choice
Accounting choice studies became very popular following the introduction of positive
accounting theory to the accounting literature (Watts and Zimmerman, 1986 offer a good
review of early studies). Contracting and political cost arguments continue to be the focus
of studies, although signalling arguments are also now found. Recent UK studies have
examined both specific choices (e.g. Lin and Peasnell (2000) study the asset revaluation
decision) and the set of choices (e.g. Young (1998) examines alternative explanations for
discretionary accruals, while Pierce-Brown and Steele (1999) look at the combined effect
of twelve key policies).