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An item-order effect occurs in survey research when the specific sequence in which questions are presented unintentionally influences how participants respond. Earlier items can alter a respondent's interpretation of subsequent questions or prime certain information in their memory, creating a context bias. Researchers often randomize or counterbalance the presentation of items to mitigate this effect.

Item-Order Effect

A classic example of an item-order effect was demonstrated by Strack, Martin, and Schwarz ($$1988$$) in a study asking college students about their general life satisfaction and dating frequency. When the life satisfaction question was asked first, the two variables showed a weak negative correlation ($$-.12$$). However, when the dating frequency question was presented first, the correlation became strongly positive ($$+.66$$). Asking about dating first made that specific information highly accessible in memory, causing participants to base their overall life satisfaction ratings heavily on their dating frequency.

Example of Item-Order Effect: Life Satisfaction and Dating

In survey research, an ____ effect occurs when the specific sequence in which questions are presented unintentionally influences how participants respond.

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