Task familiarity and contextual cues predict hypothetical bias in a meta-analysis of stated preference studies

Traditional stated preference theory does not provide useful guidance on hypothetical bias because the bias lies outside the theory. Not surprisingly, meta-analyses using variables from the theory have not revealed consistent patterns of bias. We find that these models are substantially improved by including two additional variables drawn from positive research on choice behavior. These results lead us to recommend survey procedures that address these concerns. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.