| Stage | Definition |
| 1. Question interpretation | A respondent correctly comprehends and interprets the question, including the response options; and, in some cases, his/her ability to follow instructions |
| 2. Memory retrieval | A respondent recalls relevant information that is necessary to answer the question |
| 3. Judgment formation | A respondent makes a cognitive judgment to answer the question |
| 4. Response editing | A respondent provides an answer to the question |