Using qualitative methods for attribute development for discrete choice experiments: issues and recommendations.

By J. Coast, H. Al-Janabi, E. Sutton, S. Horrocks, A. J. Vosper, D. Swancutt, Terry N. Flynn. Health Economics, 2012

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Attribute generation for discrete choice experiments (DCEs) is often poorly reported, and it is unclear whether this element of research is conducted rigorously. This paper explores issues associated with developing attributes for DCEs and contrasts different qualitative approaches. The paper draws on eight studies, four developed attributes for measures, and four developed attributes for more ad hoc policy questions. Issues that have become apparent through these studies include the following: the theoretical framework for random utility theory and the need for attributes that are neither too close to the latent construct nor too intrinsic to people's personality; the need to think about attribute development as a two-stage process involving conceptual development followed by refinement of language to convey the intended meaning; and the difficulty in resolving tensions inherent in the reductiveness of condensing complex and nuanced qualitative findings into precise terms. The comparison of alternative qualitative approaches suggests that the nature of data collection will depend both on the characteristics of the question (its sensitivity, for example) and the availability of existing qualitative information. An iterative, constant comparative approach to analysis is recommended. Finally, the paper provides a series of recommendations for improving the reporting of this element of DCE studies.

Subfields: Economics and Econometrics, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, Marketing

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/b6925f9c8716de816da2e03b6d12b9503c79b08b

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Citations in the corpus

Are consumers willing to pay more for electricity from cooperatives? Results from an online Choice Experiment in Germany (2014, methodology): “Starting with an initial list of nine attributes, we reduced their number through prestudies and pre-tests, following the procedure suggested by Coast et al. (2012). Through an expert interview with a representative of a consumer service website and additional interviews with representatives of ener”
Contemporary Guidance for Stated Preference Studies (2017, methodology): “The use of focus groups, cognitive interviews or other forms of qualitative pretesting can aid in the choice of an attribute or nonattribute design (Coast 1999; Bennett and Blamey 2001; Coast and Horrocks 2007; Coast et al. 2012; Riera et al. 2012).”
Should we stop meating like this? Reducing meat consumption through substitution (2016, methodology): “To enable people make realistic choices, the levels in Table 1 were identified for the validated attributes, based on information from the focus groups, market research, consultation with experts on food production, relevant literature and pilot tests (Coast et al., 2012).”