How ACA Data are Stored
ACA stores information in its data file detailing the attribute level combinations shown at each stage of the interview along with the respondents' answers. You can download the data file from the Web server using Lighthouse Studio's Admin Module, or accumulate the files from different PCs if using CAPI-based data collection. Then, using Lighthouse Studio you can export the responses to the "standard" (non-conjoint related) questions to a text-only fixed/delimited format using Field | Data Manager | Export Data | Add Export....
You can also export the ACA data to an "audit trail" .ACD file by clicking Field | Data Manager and then by clicking the Export Data tab and Add Export... and under Export Settings selecting Type ACA. When you run the export, a studyname.ACD file is written that records information about the combinations of levels displayed at each stage of the interview along with respondent answers. Our standalone ACA/HB software reads the .ACD file when estimating part-worth utilities under HB.
Click HERE to view the formats for the .UTL and .ACD files.
