ESRA 2027 sessions by theme
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Factorial Surveys, Conjoint Analysis, and Choice Experiments: Methodological Developments and Substantive Applications |
| Coordinator 1 | Dr Hermann Dülmer (University of Cologne) |
| Coordinator 2 | Professor Stefanie Eifler (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt) |
| Coordinator 3 | Professor Knut Petzold (Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz) |
| Coordinator 4 | Dr Hawal Shamon (Forschungszentrum Jülich) |
Session Details
In recent decades, experimental designs such as factorial surveys (vignette analysis), conjoint analyses, and choice experiments have become increasingly popular in sociological research. Depending on theoretical and methodological goals, the techniques applied vary broadly and sometimes lead to different and also inconsistent results. Although the situation has changed somewhat in the more recent decades, there are still relatively few methodological studies on construction principles, analytical procedures, and the resulting aspects of data quality and result quality. Therefore, one aim of this session is to shed light on the current state of the field by discussing more recent methodological developments. To cover a broad spectrum, substantial research based on factorial surveys, conjoint analyses, or choice experiments is also very welcome. Contributions addressing any of the following aspects are cordially invited to be part of this session:
• Theoretical and methodological foundations (e.g., advantages and disadvantages in the investigation of different sociological concepts, modes of response behaviour, sources of error),
• Comparison of design-related questions regarding methodological or substantive aspects (e.g., choice of experimental designs, presentation format, response scales, survey mode),
• Issues of data collection (e.g., strategies for recruiting the respondent sample, combination with alternative data formats, implementation in multi-methods research designs),
• Issues of data analysis,
• Validation strategies (construct, internal and/or external validity, for instance the relationship between intentions and behaviour),
• Substantive applications of factorial surveys, conjoint analyses, and choice experiments
