Optimal Number of Factors for Choice Experiments in Mining Community Consultation/Surveying
Department
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Major
Mining Engineering
Research Advisor
Klein, Brandi
Awuah-Offei, Kwame, 1975-
Advisor's Department
Psychological Science
Second Advisor's Department
Mining Engineering
Funding Source
OURE Fellows Program
Abstract
This study used choice experiments of different variable ranges to investigate the optimal number of variables to be used in choice experiments. Too many variables for a choice experiment can increase participants’ cognitive load to the point that it becomes a burden, leading them to make choices that aren’t in line with their actual beliefs. Choice experiments allow researchers to assess participants’ preferences regarding mining projects in their community. An online-based tool called Qualtrics was used to collect data. Results indicate that participants exerted more mental effort as the number of variables increased. They rated each level as significantly more difficult than the previous level. There is evidence that four variables is the optimal number of variables to use in choice experiments. These results suggest that mining communities using choice experiments for community consultation should be aware of the demands of cognitive load and limit choice experiments to four variables.
Biography
Reinhold Daykin J. Schnell is a junior in Mining Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. As a recent member of the Student Mine Design Team, he has experience and knowledge in mine planning and knows the major factors that play roles in the interaction between mining companies and communities. The mine design competition requires independent research by the team to complete the design tasks during the competition. Daykin is also a member of the Missouri University of Science and Technology Mine Rescue Team and is knowledgeable in the hazards and inner workings of mining operations.
Research Category
Social Sciences
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Final Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Fellows 13-14 Final Stipend
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Optimal Number of Factors for Choice Experiments in Mining Community Consultation/Surveying
Carver Room
This study used choice experiments of different variable ranges to investigate the optimal number of variables to be used in choice experiments. Too many variables for a choice experiment can increase participants’ cognitive load to the point that it becomes a burden, leading them to make choices that aren’t in line with their actual beliefs. Choice experiments allow researchers to assess participants’ preferences regarding mining projects in their community. An online-based tool called Qualtrics was used to collect data. Results indicate that participants exerted more mental effort as the number of variables increased. They rated each level as significantly more difficult than the previous level. There is evidence that four variables is the optimal number of variables to use in choice experiments. These results suggest that mining communities using choice experiments for community consultation should be aware of the demands of cognitive load and limit choice experiments to four variables.
Comments
Joint Project with Rachel Stancil-Bacon, Brittney Abel, Jordan Verslues