Note 2-14

14 The possibility of statistical bias entering into results has also been pointed out in connection with the conjoint analysis used in the present research. First, bias can arise due to the information which serves as the handhold in the evaluation, and responses may be affected if the content of explanations or questions suggests that the subject being evaluated (e.g. fiscal structural reform in the present study) is important. Second, bias can enter due to mistakes in communicating the scenario, creating the possibility that respondents may not be sufficiently able to grasp (in the present research) the nature of the three government spending categories or the possibility that the scenario presented was taken as unrealistic. In any case, it is expected that as similar analyses accrue from now, the probability of bias entering into results will be examined and the effectiveness of the analysis will increase.