How to Run a Conjoint With a Dedicated Research Workflow

Run a publication-oriented conjoint study when your available survey software does not include a dedicated conjoint workflow.

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The Short Version

Run a publication-oriented conjoint study when your available survey software does not include a dedicated conjoint workflow. A practical way to begin is to write the research question and define the choice respondents will make, then list the attributes and levels that should vary across profiles. Finish by making sure you export the long-format data, ATE/AMCE table, design summary, and methods text after fielding. The full walkthrough below explains each part in order.

Is This Guide for You?

Researchers at colleges, universities, clinics, labs, and policy schools whose available survey tools may not include specialized conjoint functionality.

Follow These Steps

Work through these 6 steps at your own pace. The wording is intentionally practical, and you can return to the checklist at the end when you are ready to review your work.

Write the research question and define the choice respondents will make.
List the attributes and levels that should vary across profiles.
Use Conjoint Survey to enter attributes, levels, restrictions, and task count.
Preview the respondent flow on desktop and mobile.
Publish the study URL and send it through Prolific, MTurk, an LMS, email, or a panel vendor.
Export the long-format data, ATE/AMCE table, design summary, and methods text after fielding.

What This Helps You Accomplish

Many researchers have access to ordinary survey tools but still need specialized conjoint features. A conjoint study needs randomized profile construction, stored profile rows, respondent-level clustering support, and transparent exports. Conjoint Survey is built around those needs instead of asking researchers to manually program them.

A Quick Confidence Check

Keep attributes and levels theoretically meaningful.
Avoid too many attributes in each profile.
Use restrictions only for impossible profiles.
Run Study Review before publishing.
Export the design summary for IRB, preregistration, or an appendix.

Common Questions

Can I use this guide if I am new to this?

Yes. Researchers at colleges, universities, clinics, labs, and policy schools whose available survey tools may not include specialized conjoint functionality. Follow the steps in order, start with a small test, and use the final checklist before you field or report anything important.

What is the simplest way to get started?

Begin by write the research question and define the choice respondents will make. Next, list the attributes and levels that should vary across profiles. You do not need to perfect every setting before running a small preview or pilot.

How do I know when I am ready?

Use the confidence check above. In particular: Keep attributes and levels theoretically meaningful. Avoid too many attributes in each profile. Use restrictions only for impossible profiles. Run Study Review before publishing. When the decision is consequential, keep your study documentation and ask a qualified colleague or methods reviewer to examine the design as well.

Research Pathways

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Product names and fielding platforms mentioned in this guide belong to their respective owners. Conjoint Survey is an independent academic research tool and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by those services.