2018 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 153-161
Satisficing refers to the form of responses made with the least information load to retrieve or integrate information, or responses made with no information retrieval or integration at all. This paper examined respondents' satisficing in online surveys measuring the effectiveness of disaster information. In Study 1 (N=104), respondents were provided information regarding the effects of obligated fire alarm systems, after which they completed a questionnaire on perceived risks and preparedness intentions for disasters. Subsequently, their recognition of the information provided was assessed. The results revealed that respondents did not recognize the information well, suggesting that they satisficed to a considerable degree. This finding implies that decisions made based on the results of online surveys may be biased owing to respondents' satisficing. In Study 2 (N=300), respondents' recognition of information regarding earthquake disaster mitigations was assessed immediately after provision of the information. Though there was no intervention between the provision of information and the recognition test, the scores on the latter were insufficient. The results also suggested that a large number of respondents did not comprehend even the outline of the information provided. Finally, the influences of satisficing in determining the external validity of data collection methods were discussed.
