NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology

07/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 03:09

Data Collection Instrument: Evaluating Methodological Differences in Discrete Choice Experiments

Published
July 15, 2026

Author(s)

Xiatian Iogansen, Ireland Crowther, Christina Gore, Joshua Kneifel, John Helveston

Abstract

This Data Collection Instrument (DCI) establishes a guideline and survey framework for quantifying consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for recycled plastic commodities. The instrument combines behavioral experience metrics, attitudinal scales, and a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE). The DCE employs a multi-dimensional split-sample design that varies across three critical axes: (1) product context, contrasting low-cost discretionary items (phone cases) with high-cost functional goods (sneakers); (2) valuation methodology, comparing baseline attribute-based preferences against post-information valuations; and (3) the information framing, which provides respondents with external data showing either a significant decrease or increase in the energy required for production. By isolating the causal effect of sustainability disclosures through a within-subject "information shock" mechanism, this research captures the dynamic elasticity of green preferences. Beyond the immediate empirical findings, this DCI provides a reproducible methodological blueprint for researchers and practitioners, enhancing the reliability of stated preference studies for emerging circular economy technologies. Additionally, this DCI contains a series of questions aimed at validating that the data is from human subjects rather than from bots or large-language models.
Citation
Data Collection Instruments - 010
Report Number
010
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Keywords

discrete choice experiment (DCE), conjoint analysis, recycled plastic, information treatment, willingness-to-pay (WTP), consumer preferences

Citation

Iogansen, X. , Crowther, I. , Gore, C. , Kneifel, J. and Helveston, J. (2026), Data Collection Instrument: Evaluating Methodological Differences in Discrete Choice Experiments, Data Collection Instruments, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.DCI.010, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=962354 (Accessed July 16, 2026)
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NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology published this content on July 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 16, 2026 at 09:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]