The comparative mind-set: from animal comparisons to increased purchase intentions

Psychol Sci. 2008 Sep;19(9):859-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02169.x.

Abstract

Stimulating people to state a preference for one of two commercial products can increase their willingness to purchase not only one of these products, but also other products in a totally unrelated domain. However, willingness to make a purchase in a given domain (e.g., computers) can also be increased by asking individuals (a) to indicate which of two stimuli in a different domain (e.g., vacation packages) they dislike more, (b) to compare the relative attractiveness of wild animals, (c) to compare the animals with respect to physical attributes, and (d) to estimate how similar one object is to another. Moreover, the effects generalize to decisions about dating partners, as well as consumer products. In short, making any type of comparative judgment appears likely to give rise to a comparative-judgment mind-set and, therefore, to influence decisions in subsequent situations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Commerce*
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Courtship
  • Culture*
  • Generalization, Psychological*
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Judgment
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Motivation
  • Persuasive Communication*
  • Students / psychology