Validating mouse-tracking in economic research: insights from a discrete choice experiment

Tanasache, O.-A., Balcombe, K. and Kehlbacher, A. (2025) Validating mouse-tracking in economic research: insights from a discrete choice experiment. Q Open. qoaf023. ISSN 2633-9048 doi: 10.1093/qopen/qoaf023 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Recent advances in process-tracing technologies allow economists to account for attention in economic models. We use a Discrete Choice Experiment in a hypothetical nutritional context to examine the suitability of mouse-tracking for stated preference research and the insights it provides into human behaviour. Consistent with eye-tracking literature, respondents selectively attend to available information, potentially reallocating attention to maximize utility. Attention to nutrients correlates with their erceived value but weakly predicts preferences. A comparison of choices with and without mouse-tracking suggests that this tracking method does not interfere with decision-making in a substantial way, supporting its validity in experimental research. We conclude that mouse-tracking holds potential for enhancing stated preference studies, but caution is needed when inferring behaviours from these measures.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/124184
Identification Number/DOI	10.1093/qopen/qoaf023
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing
Publisher	Oxford University Press
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