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How to Present a Decision Object in Health Preference Research: Attributes and Levels, the Decision Model, and the Descriptive Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Axel C. Mühlbacher

    (HS Neubrandenburg)

  • Esther W. Bekker-Grob

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Oliver Rivero-Arias

    (University of Oxford)

  • Bennett Levitan

    (Janssen R&D)

  • Caroline Vass

    (RTI Health Solutions)

Abstract

In health preference research (HPR) studies, data are generated by participants’/subjects’ decisions. When developing an HPR study, it is therefore important to have a clear understanding of the components of a decision and how those components stimulate participant behavior. To obtain valid and reliable results, study designers must sufficiently describe the decision model and its components. HPR studies require a detailed examination of the decision criteria, detailed documentation of the descriptive framework, and specification of hypotheses. The objects that stimulate subjects’ decisions in HPR studies are defined by attributes and attribute levels. Any limitations in the identification and presentation of attributes and levels can negatively affect preference elicitation, the quality of the HPR data, and study results. This practical guide shows how to link the HPR question to an underlying decision model. It covers how to (1) construct a descriptive framework that presents relevant characteristics of a decision object and (2) specify the research hypotheses. The paper outlines steps and available methods to achieve all this, including the methods’ advantages and limitations.

Suggested Citation

  • Axel C. Mühlbacher & Esther W. Bekker-Grob & Oliver Rivero-Arias & Bennett Levitan & Caroline Vass, 2025. "How to Present a Decision Object in Health Preference Research: Attributes and Levels, the Decision Model, and the Descriptive Framework," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 18(4), pages 291-302, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:patien:v:18:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s40271-024-00673-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s40271-024-00673-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marit Kragt & Jeffrey Bennett, 2012. "Attribute Framing in Choice Experiments: How Do Attribute Level Descriptions Affect Value Estimates?," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 51(1), pages 43-59, January.
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    3. Levin, Irwin P. & Schneider, Sandra L. & Gaeth, Gary J., 1998. "All Frames Are Not Created Equal: A Typology and Critical Analysis of Framing Effects," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 76(2), pages 149-188, November.
    4. Laura O. Taylor & Ronald G. Cummings, 1999. "Unbiased Value Estimates for Environmental Goods: A Cheap Talk Design for the Contingent Valuation Method," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 89(3), pages 649-665, June.
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