中国科学院行为科学重点实验室知识库

Although previous studies of consumer choice have found that common features of alternatives are cancelled and that choices are based only on unique features, a recent study has suggested that common features are canceled only when they are irrelevant in regard to all unique features. The present study hypothesized that the role of a common feature in consumer choice depends on its quantity as well as its quality. Experiments 1 and 2 tested this hypothesis and the equate-to-differentiate account by varying the quality and the quantity of common features. Experiment 3 examined the cognitive process that was proposed to serve as the mechanism for the common feature effect using eye-tracking methodology. This study provided further insight into conditions when the cancellation-and-focus model applies. Study results revealed an attribute-based tradeoff process underlying multiple-attribute decision making, and suggested an avenue through which marketers might influence consumer choices. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.