Comparison of a full and partial choice set design in a labeled discrete choice experiment

B-Tier
Journal: Health Economics
Year: 2023
Volume: 32
Issue: 6
Pages: 1284-1304

Authors (6)

Thao Thai (not in RePEc) Michiel Bliemer (University of Sydney) Gang Chen (not in RePEc) Jean Spinks (not in RePEc) Sonja de New (not in RePEc) Emily Lancsar (Australian National University)

Score contribution per author:

0.335 = (α=2.01 / 6 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Labeled discrete choice experiments (DCEs) commonly present all alternatives using a full choice set design (FCSD), which could impose a high cognitive burden on respondents. In the setting of employment preferences, this study explored if a partial choice set design (PCSD) reduced cognitive burden whilst maintaining convergent validity compared with a FCSD. Respondents' preferences between the two designs were investigated. In the experimental design, labeled utility functions were rewritten into a single generic utility function using label dummy variables to generate an efficient PCSD with 3 alternatives shown in each choice task (out of 6). The DCE was embedded in a nationwide survey of 790 Australian pharmacy degree holders where respondents were presented with both a block of FCSD and PCSD tasks in random order. The PCSD's impact on error variances was investigated using a heteroscedastic conditional logit model. The convergent validity of PCSD was based on the equality of willingness‐to‐forgo‐expected‐salary estimates from Willingness‐to‐pay‐space mixed logit models. A nested logit model was used combined with respondents' qualitative responses to understand respondents' design preferences. We show a promising future use of PCSD by providing evidence that PCSD can reduce cognitive burden while satisfying convergent validity compared to FCSD.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:hlthec:v:32:y:2023:i:6:p:1284-1304
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
6
Added to Database
2026-01-24