Abstract
Abstract Existing research shows that response options are endorsed at a higher rate when presented in forced-choice format (FC, yes-no grids) than in check-all-that-apply format (CATA). Information Processing Theory explains this contrast with differential effects on the level of cognitive reflection. The study tests this hypothesis with eye movement data collected in a randomized laboratory experiment in which 131 respondents participated in a web survey with four treatment questions. In one condition (CATA) the questions were presented in check-all format, in the other (FC) in forced-choice structure. I find higher levels of affirmative responses and longer completion times in FC compared to CATA in three of the questions. With all four questions, respondents invested more cognitive effort—measured by fixation counts and times—in FC than in CATA when considering the question in total. I find no differences when considering only the list of response options, however. This indicates that the longer fixation times did not result from a more careful evaluation of the response options. Other possible causes and practical implications are discussed.
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