Conjoint Analysis Research Articles

Writing restaurant menu descriptions: The influence of word choice on consumer behavior

This study examined the influence of words used in restaurant menu descriptions. Menu descriptions are typically short, communicating a great deal of information in a brief statement. Understanding the types of words that resonate most with consumers addresses a gap in menu research. Correspondingly, this study assessed how consumers process menu words to minimize ordering risk by applying a choice-based conjoint analysis approach utilizing word attributes and levels. 1500 participants were recruited to simultaneously evaluate multiple menu description variations. Findings noted that words can be classified as hedonic (emotional) or utilitarian (functional) and that utilitarian words can be further sub-categorized as experiential or descriptive. Findings support a hierarchy of word influence, and add to research literature, specifically menu design. The practical implications are that restaurateurs can improve their menu descriptions by utilizing words drawn from the most influential categories as a means of mitigating consumer anxiety.

Proteomics and Microbiota Conjoint Analysis in the Nasal Mucus: Revelation of Differences in Immunological Function in Manis javanica and Manis pentadactyla.

All eight pangolin species, especially captive Manis pentadactyla, are critically endangered and susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms, causing mass mortality. They are involved in the complement system, iron transport system, and inflammatory factors. M. pentadactyla exhibited a higher abundance of opportunistic pathogens, Moraxella, which potentially evaded complement-mediated immune response by reducing C5 levels and counteracting detrimental effects through transferrin neutralization. In addition, we found that the major structure of C5a, an important inflammatory factor, was lacking in M. javanica. In brief, this study revealed the differences in immune factors and microbiome between M. javanica and M. pentadactyla, thus providing a theoretical basis for subsequent immunotherapy.

Too much, too little? A CBC approach accounting for screening from both sides

Consumers are often assumed to use a two-stage decision process, screening out products in the first step and choosing among the remaining alternatives in the second step. When analyzing data from discrete choice studies, a compensatory decision strategy is usually presumed. Gilbride and Allenby (2004) introduced a method to model a decision process in a choice-based conjoint analysis combining the compensatory assumption with the two-stage decision process. Respondents first screen out alternatives that do not meet minimum requirements for attributes, followed by a choice between the remaining alternatives using the compensatory rule.In this paper, we extend their approach by considering not only screening with a minimum threshold but also with a maximum value for every attribute. We compare this extension to the original method by Gilbride and Allenby (2004) and a single-step compensatory model. We do so on the basis of one simulation scenario as well as three empirical conjoint datasets.The results indicate that two-sided screening is applied especially to prices. Both the original and extended models exhibit nearly identical performance. However, they outperform the one-step choice model that ignores screening in terms of fit and predictive validity.

User Preferences on a Generative AI User Interface Through a Choice Experiment

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the number of services providing generative AI has been steadily increasing. As different services enter the market, the generative AI interfaces users experience become more diverse. However, none of the services has yet established itself as the dominant tool, and which interface component affects user preferences the most has yet to be identified. This study investigates user preferences based on the interface of generative AI services currently on the market. We investigated users’ preferred interface components by setting the output data type, generative style, output variation, reference style, and generation history provided by the current generative AI service as properties. We collected data from 500 users through a survey and conducted conjoint analysis. Users preferred the provision of 10 generation histories the most, and the second most preferred the provision of reference style in footnote format. In addition, it was found that there was no preference for the creative generative style, which can be interpreted as users being aware of the problem of hallucination in generative AI. The results of this study will help future generative AI services design interfaces that consider user experience.

Consumer preference on packed tender coconut water: Conjoint analysis approach

The study examined consumer preferences towards packed tender coconut water, which has witnessed higher demand in recent times. This is mainly due to its potential health benefits and being an ideal alternative to energy drinks and other carbonated beverages. For this study, primary data were collected from 150 consumers in Coimbatore using a well-structured questionnaire. Expending conjoint analysis, it was found that brand name was recorded as a highly preferred attribute, followed by quality parameters and price range. Therefore, creating awareness about the health benefits using various promotional tools and increasing its availability by establishing tender coconut water kiosks would raise its consumption. Further, due to the emergence of digital marketing adoptions, firms could focus on its availability through online platforms, which could increase consumption. Therefore, processing firms, in addition to traditional channels, should focus on adopting digital marketing channels with innovative products that have natural taste and good quality. Keywords: Brand, consumer buying behaviour, online platforms, processed foods, quality. JEL Codes: L66, M31.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed the molecular basis of the color formation in the roots of Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine rich in many pharmacological components. The root of the ‘Miaoxiang Sanqi No. 2’ is yellow or greenish yellow, while a novel cultivar-‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’ shows purple root and is thought to have high medicinal value. Little information is available about the anthocyanin biosynthesis in P. notoginseng root. In this study, we compared the ‘Miaoxiang Sanqi No. 2’ and ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’ in morphological, transcriptional and metabolic levels. The results showed that purple rich in the periderm, rhizome and phloem around cambium of the ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’ root and cyanidin 3-O-galactoside was the main anthocyanin causing purple. Moreover, ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’ highly accumulated in 155 metabolites, including flavones, phenylpropanoids and lipids. Transcriptome data showed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway genes are highly expressed in ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’. Conjoint analysis showed that anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway substances were highly accumulated in ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’, and the expression level of structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway was higher in ‘Wenyuan Ziqi No. 1’. Meanwhile, eight R2R3-MYB genes that might be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified. The comprehensive analysis of two cultivars provides new insights into the understanding of root coloration in P. notoginseng.

Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumor cells (TC) participate in tumor progression by altering the immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. However, the clinical relevance and prognostic effect of PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions and clinical significance of PD-L1 expression and TILs in ESCC. Tissue specimens were collected from 126 patients with ESCC who underwent curative esophagectomy. Immunohistochemical analysis and multiplex immunofluorescence for CD4, CD8, CD25, FOXP3, and PD-L1 in the tumor were used to identify multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIC), Tregs, and TC. PD-L1 was expressed in tumor cells (PD-L1 TC). PD-L1 TIIC and PD-L1 TC affected the biological behavior of TC. The positive expression rate of PD-L1 TC and CD8+ TILs was 27.8% (35/126) and 31.7% (40/126), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly associated with decreased CD8+ TILs and PD-L1 TC-positive expression, which promote ESCC progression and metastasis. Tumor depth, CD8, and PD-L1 TC were independent prognostic factors in ESCC, and a predictive nomogram with these three risk factors improved the accuracy of predicting OS in patients with ESCC after surgical resection. The conjoint analysis of multiple immune-related factors is beneficial for stratifying patient survival risk.

Policy discounting across and beyond the lifespan

AbstractLegislators face a challenge when implementing long‐termist policies that prioritise sustainability and the well‐being of future generations: citizens prefer policies that pay off sooner rather than later. In this research note, I assess the hypothesis that the lifespan structures this temporal discounting effect. Do people show a particular preference for policies that pay off within, rather than beyond, their own lifetime? In a pre‐registered conjoint analysis with age‐group blocking (N = 2405), I find little evidence in support of this explanation. Although they significantly prefer nearer‐term policy benefits, citizens show no sign of especially preferring policies whose benefits will materialise within their own lifetimes. This pattern holds across a range of personal, political and philosophical differences. The temporal discounting effect is also substantially smaller than other policy features, such as how large the payoff of that policy is expected to be. Additionally, people are clearly willing in principle to trade off the timing of benefits for the scale of benefits, preferring larger later payoffs to sooner smaller ones. Across and beyond the lifespan, the sooner a policy pays off, the better. But, whenever they materialise, the bigger the societal benefits of that policy, the better. These findings strongly suggest that temporal policy discounting is not driven by selfish concerns, while also reinforcing that any such effect does not overwhelm citizens’ evaluations of policy proposals in principle.

Commercial Application of Artificial Intelligence in Chinese Pan-mental Healthcare Industry

In the modern educational landscape, the mounting academic demands imposed on adolescents, coupled with a noticeable trend of enrolling children into formal schooling at increasingly younger ages, have become influential factors in the exacerbation of emotional stress experienced by young individuals. This burgeoning concern for mental health matters within contemporary society necessitates a heightened level of attention and thorough investigation. This comprehensive report unfolds as an intricate exploration of multifaceted dimensions. It begins with a meticulous literature review, which delves into the existing body of knowledge surrounding the issue. Subsequently, the report investigates the practical applications of AI in the domain of mental healthcare, recognizing the potential benefits and advancements AI technology can bring to the field. Moreover, an external analysis is conducted to contextualize the broader societal and environmental factors contributing to the observed challenges. A competitive landscape assessment is performed to understand the existing solutions and their strengths and weaknesses. Further, strategies related to market segmentation and targeting are formulated to better address the diverse needs of the audience. The report also provides a detailed description of the target customer base, offering insights into the demographics and psycho-graphics of the individuals who stand to benefit most from the proposed AI-driven solution. A mock product is meticulously designed, integrating the learning from the aforementioned analyses. Furthermore, conjoint analysis and data analysis techniques are applied to discern the nuanced preferences and needs of the target audience. The study, rooted in empirical research, investigates the intricate web of psychological challenges teenagers face in present-day society. In response to the identified issues, the report outlines the development of an AI-exclusive application. This application is thoughtfully tailored to ameliorate the mental health challenges specific to teenagers, offering a promising avenue for providing timely and effective support to this vulnerable demographic.

How to design a sustainable last-mile delivery and returns business model from E-Customers' expectations perspective?

The paper aims to identify the most preferred business models for sustainable last-mile delivery among e-customers and to evaluate their impact on the environment, economics, and society. To achieve this purpose, the authors conducted a survey and applied conjoint analysis, the Delphi method, and the MCDM: Promethee-Gaia. The research shows that price is the most significant factor for e-customers when choosing a delivery method. However, experts did not consider the business models for last-mile delivery and return preferred by e-customers sustainable. These models create value for customers but not for the urban community at large. The research shows a business model for last-mile delivery that can offer a compromise between creating value for e-customers and co-creating value for the city. The results offer valuable guidelines for both courier companies and local governments.

Decoding comparative taste and nutrition regulation in Chinese cabbage via integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) is a widely consumed leafy vegetable known for its various health-beneficial nutrients. Caixin (ET and JY) represent distinct cultivars of Chinese cabbage that exhibit differential consumer preference attributed to variations in taste and nutritional content, with ET being characterized as sweeter and more nutritionally superior compared to JY. However, limited research has been conducted to explore regulation of flavor and nutrition-related quality traits in Chinese cabbage. In this pioneer study, comprehensive trans-meta-analysis was used to compare the metabolic and molecular underpinnings behind unique taste and nutritional profiles of ET and JY. 8-Methylsulfonyloctyl glucosinolates and Uridine 5′-diphospho-D-glucose exhibited the highest correlation coefficient in Pearson meta–meta-association, which modulate flavor and nutrition processes. While DAMs primarily featured L-Homomethionine, saccharic acid, 1,6-Di-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucose, and Rutin, with notable variations in expression between ET and JY. Conspicuously, DEGs encoding structural enzymes i.e. Glucosinolates (MAM, CYP, UGT), flavonoids (CHS, CHI, F3H) and sucrose (SPS, SPP, SUS) synthases were identified as key players in nutrient and flavor production. Multi-omics conjoint analysis revealed that saccharides, amino acids, ascorbates, flavonoids, organic acids and vitamins were positively correlated with taste and nutrition, and were found to be overexpressed in ET. While aliphatic glucosinolates were abundant in JY compared to ET, they might play a critical role in regulating quality traits. Besides, HPLC and RT-qPCR corroborated multi-omics data reliability. These findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms governing the regulation of taste and nutritional levels in Chinese cabbage.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescents: What Parents Care About.

Numerous techniques exist for pediatric medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction (MPFL-R). Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons and patient families must navigate choices between allograft and autograft, incision type, and surgery cost. While previous research has found similar surgical outcomes among different MPFL-R techniques, minimal data exists on what patients and their families prefer. To engage in shared decision-making (SDM), pediatric orthopaedic surgeons must understand family preferences, including between incision type and cost. We conducted a study utilizing choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis to explore these preferences. A survey was developed using Sawtooth Software (Lighthouse Studio version 9.2.0) to gather demographic information and preferences on surgical scenarios via CBC analysis. Anonymous participants, recruited via the Prolific crowdsourcing platform, qualified if they were US residents over 18 years of age with children aged 13 to 17. Data analysis involved the Hierarchical Bayes (HB) method to generate utility scores to determine the desirability of attributes. The study included 496 participants who prioritized surgical success (average importance 48.8%) followed by co-pay amount (21.5%), incision size (17.4%), and return to sport (12.3%). Participants earning over $200,000 annually prioritized incision size over cost (25.8% vs. 12.1%, P<0.0053). Those with incomes below $50,000 valued recovery time at a lesser extent than other income groups (10.4% than 12.3% overall importance P<0.0003). The sex of the child significantly influenced preferences: incision size was more important to parents of girls (21.1%) than boys (14.0%, P<.0001). The importance of surgery success and recovery time also differed by sex, being higher for boys (50.4%, 13.1%) than girls (47.0%, 11.7%; P=0.025, 0.026, respectively). This CBC analysis suggests parents of adolescent patients undergoing MPFL-R most value surgical success (avoiding revision surgery), followed by copay, incision size, and time to return to sport. Of note, parent income level and sex of the child significantly influenced parental preferences. We hope this information will assist orthopaedic surgeons in SDM in MPFL-R surgery. Level III.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Genetic Risk: A Population-based Study

Purpose Specific genetic factors might serve as markers for risk stratification of AMD progression, but their association with key features of AMD has not been fully elucidated. Thus, we investigated the association between overall and pathway-specific genetic risk scores (GRS) and lead loci (ARMS2, CFH) with AMD stages and features of high-risk nonlate AMD, including reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and large drusen area (LDA). Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Rhineland Study, a population-based study in Bonn, Germany. We included 4016 individuals aged 50 years and older of European descent. GRS and pathway-specific subscores were constructed based on a large genome-wide association study of AMD. Subscores were generated based on gene-pathways associations (complement, extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM) and lipid metabolism). Associations were assessed using logistic and multinomial regression. Results The mean age of participants was 63.36 years and 1813 (45.1%) were men. The GRS was positive in 48.1% of individuals and increased, but did not fully overlap, across AMD stages. Pathway-specific subscores increased across AMD stages except for the ECM subscore, which only showed a trend for increasing in late AMD. Increasing overall GRS was associated with RPD and LDA (OR [95%CI] for RPD: 1.70 [1.33–2.15], for LDA: 1.64 [1.29–2.07]) among individuals with AMD. Similarly, higher complement and ECM subscores was associated with RPD, while for LDA, only an association with complement subscore was observed. Conclusions In a population-based setting, we confirmed higher genetic risk to be associated with more severe AMD and identified associations with high-risk features of intermediate AMD. Conjoint analyses suggested that high-risk features and late AMD might be differentially associated with genetic architecture in AMD, such as ECM remodeling. Incorporation of genetic information such as GRSs might improve AMD risk prediction strategies.

Determining Consumer Preferences In Choosing Low Budget Accommodation Services In Medan City With Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) Analysis

The hotel accommodation service industry in Medan City has witnessed significant growth following the pandemic, driven by increased business and tourism activities. With over 200 hotels in the city, there is a notable presence of middle-class hotels offering affordable prices. This study aims to determine consumer preferences in choosing low-budget accommodation services using Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) analysis. The CBC method presents consumers with a series of menus featuring different hotel attributes, such as location, facilities, and price, to identify which attributes most influence their preferences. A sample of 40 respondents was analyzed to identify key factors influencing their hotel choices. The results revealed that consumers prioritize hotels located outside the central city area, with free internet service, basic room amenities, availability of a café or lounge, breakfast services, and non-smoking rooms. The study found that breakfast service is the most important attribute, followed by the availability of non-smoking rooms. These insights can help low budget hotel or managers in Medan City to modify their services to better meet consumer demands and improve market positioning.

Conjoint Analysis to Determine the Perceptions of Restaurant Consumers in Choosing Halal-certified All-You-Can Eat Restaurants

Conjoint Analysis to Determine the Perceptions of Restaurant Consumers in Choosing Halal-certified All-You-Can Eat Restaurants

Designing Package Labels for Upcycled Food Products in Japan: Case Study of Broccoli Stem Snack

ABSTRACT This study addresses the growing interest in upcycled foods as a solution to food loss by focusing on designing more appealing package labels in Japan. Through an online survey, we collected data on consumer attitudes and perceptions toward upcycled foods. We applied factor analysis to identify key factors and cluster analysis to segment consumers into distinct profiles. Using these insights, we conducted a choice-based conjoint analysis to extract the package design attributes most valued by consumers. Our results highlight key factors influencing purchase intentions, including food safety, innovation, and eco-friendliness. We identified two main consumer profiles: sustainability-focused and quality/safety-conscious, and innovative and socially engaged. Food safety emerged as the most crucial factor affecting purchase willingness, followed by product image and environmental considerations. The study emphasizes the importance of transparent, sustainable, and visually appealing package design in influencing consumer decisions and building long-term loyalty toward upcycled foods in Japan.

Acceptability of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention amongst emerging adult women in rural Mysore, India: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundIndia has the highest number of estimated deaths from cervical cancer globally, with most cases attributed to Human papillomavirus (HPV). The World Health Organization recommends primary HPV vaccination for girls ages 9–14, with catch-up vaccination for young women ≥ 15 if feasible. India authorized a new, inexpensive HPV vaccine in 2022; given anticipated vaccine expansion, we conducted a mixed-methods study exploring acceptability of HPV catch-up vaccination for young emerging adult women in rural Mysore, India.MethodsBetween September 2022-April 2023, participants were recruited with assistance from community health workers. In the qualitative phase, gender-stratified, audio-recorded focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Kannada with emerging adults ages 18–26. FGDs were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using rapid approach to identify key HPV vaccination attributes. In the quantitative phase, a conjoint analysis was conducted to assess the impact of seven vaccination attributes on likelihood to vaccinate (LTV). Women ages 18–26 ranked LTV in eight hypothetical vaccination scenarios, and the relative impact of each attribute on LTV was calculated. All participants received education about cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination.ResultsFifty-two young adults (female = 31, male = 21) participated in seven FGDs, and 101 women participated in the conjoint analysis. Average age of the 153 participants was 22.5 years, 66.7% had married, and all had completed high school. Only 17.9% had heard of cervical cancer, and 2.7% knew of the HPV vaccine. FGDs identified seven HPV vaccination attributes: cost, vaccination location, family support, peer influence, dose number, side effects, and risk of acquiring HPV. In the conjoint analysis, all attributes except dose number significantly impacted LTV. Family support (impact score = 19.37, p < 0.0001) and peer influence (impact score = 18.01, p < 0.0001) had the greatest influence, followed by cost (impact score = 16.64, p < 0.0001) and HPV risk (impact score = 12.31, p < 0.0001). Vaccination location (government centers preferred) and side effects were also significant.ConclusionParticipants had poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV. Social attributes (family support, peer influence) had greatest impacts on LTV, and future studies should explore family-based interventions and peer education. Providing free vaccines at government centers through India’s national immunization program would maximize catch-up HPV vaccination for rural young women.

A community-academic partnered approach to designing a Virtual Village to address the needs of older adults living with HIV

ABSTRACT Many older adults living with HIV face unique challenges, including comorbidities, loneliness, and isolation. This community-academic partnered study elicited viewpoints from older adults living with HIV about the characteristics of a digital environment (“Virtual Village”) to combat against loneliness and isolation. We utilized Choice-Based Conjoint Analyses to determine preferred attributes of a Virtual Village. We also conducted focus groups and interviews with older adults living with HIV and used an iterative, data-driven approach to systematically identify emergent themes. Participants (N = 82) were aged 50–82 years and racially/ethnically diverse. The majority were men (78%), gay (66%), and lived with HIV for ≥15 years (83%). Cost was the factor that most drove participants’ preference for joining a Virtual Village. Thematic concerns included lack of technological confidence, internet access, potential for harassment in digital environments, privacy, and preference for in-person interactions. Praises centered on convenience and making connections across geographic distances. Participants emphasized the need for purposive strategies to form a cohesive and supportive community for older adults living with HIV. A moderated environment was recommneded to create a safe, structured, and comfortable digital environment for older adults living with HIV. A Virtual Village should be viewed as a bridge to in-person interactions.

Veterinary students are willing to accept job flexibility by trading off some salary.

To determine the value veterinary students place on nonpecuniary job benefits related to working arrangements. 381 companion animal-focused veterinary students at 14 US veterinary colleges. We employed a survey with a choice-based conjoint experiment. The experimental data were analyzed with a random parameter logit model, from which willingness to accept was calculated. The results indicated that students would prefer working 4 days a week and closer to 40 hours per week, with 13 days of paid time off. Flexible working arrangements were valued from approximately $1,500 to $3,400, depending on the attribute being analyzed. Paid time off was most highly valued. These results will help employers better identify the current preferences of soon-to-be associate veterinarians and can match job offer/working arrangements to enhance recruitment and retention within veterinary practices.

Gender Differences in Preferences for Meaning at Work

Scholars have examined whether preferences for job characteristics help explain why men and women sort into different occupations but have overlooked preferences for meaning at work. We first document gender differences in preferences for meaning in a large-scale survey covering individuals in 47 countries. We then conduct a choice-based conjoint analysis of a cohort of MBA students at a leading business school to study gender differences in preferences for meaning compared to other job attributes. We show that gender differences in preferences for meaning at work are widespread and partly explain gender differences in behavioral outcomes, including industry of work. (JEL D91, I23, J16, J24, J28)