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Research Article
The effect of choice complexity on perception of time spent choosing: When choice takes longer but feels shorter
Article first published online: 9 FEB 2009
DOI: 10.1002/mar.20270
© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issue
1520-6793/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=71320510dd3ee1c03a3c2b6d2e69bfd3cb62bb05 "Psychology and Marketing")
Psychology and Marketing
Special Issue: Assortment Structure and Choice
Volume 26, Issue 3, pages 213–228, March 2009
Additional Information
How to Cite
Fasolo, B., Carmeci, F. A. and Misuraca, R. (2009), The effect of choice complexity on perception of time spent choosing: When choice takes longer but feels shorter. Psychol. Mark., 26: 213–228. doi: 10.1002/mar.20270
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 FEB 2009
- Article first published online: 9 FEB 2009
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Two studies examine the effect of the complexity of the choice environment on the perceived duration of the time spent choosing. The experiments demonstrate that the estimation of the time spent making a decision is affected by the number of options available in the choice set. In Experiment 1, participants having to choose 1 of 24 mobile phones tended to underestimate the time spent whereas participants confronted with the choice of 6 mobile phones tended to overestimate the actual time spent. Experiment 2 corroborates this finding, in the presence of varying degrees of attribute correlation. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications for marketers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.