The paper reports on measurement and data treatment of response latencies in computer
assisted surveys. Applying response latencies as a measure of mental processes, empirical
hypotheses are tested to explain the occurrence of response effects (here: acquiescence bias)
and the predictive power of generalized attitudes. Theoretically, it is assumed that behavioural
and other specific evaluative judgments in surveys are stronger influenced by acquiescence
bias and generalized attitudes when answering in a rather automatic-spontaneous response
mode, i.e. when response latencies are fast. Additionally, it is assumed that chronic attitude
accessibility acts as a moderator of acquiescence effects and predictive power of attitudes
within spontaneous mode processing. Empirical tests show evidence in favour of these
assumptions, demonstrating the usefulness of response time measurement in surveys
