Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice

Previous research on the role of choice set size in decision making has focused on decision outcomes and satisfaction. In contrast, little is known about interindividual differences in preferences for larger versus smaller choice sets, let alone the causes of such differences. Drawing on self-effica...

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Main Authors: Andrew E. Reed, Joseph A. Mikels, Corinna E. Lockenhoff
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2012-03-01
Series:Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects:
Online Access:http://journal.sjdm.org/11/11919/jdm11919.pdf
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author Andrew E. Reed
Joseph A. Mikels
Corinna E. Lockenhoff
author_facet Andrew E. Reed
Joseph A. Mikels
Corinna E. Lockenhoff
author_sort Andrew E. Reed
collection DOAJ
description Previous research on the role of choice set size in decision making has focused on decision outcomes and satisfaction. In contrast, little is known about interindividual differences in preferences for larger versus smaller choice sets, let alone the causes of such differences. Drawing on self-efficacy theory, two studies examined the role of decision-making self-efficacy in preferences for choice. Using a correlational approach, Study 1 (n = 89) found that decision-making self-efficacy was positively associated with preferences for choice across a range of consumer decisions. This association was found both between- and within-subjects. Study 2 (n = 65) experimentally manipulated decision-making self-efficacy for an incentive-compatible choice among photo printers. Preferences for choice and pre-choice information seeking were significantly lower in a low-efficacy condition compared to a high-efficacy condition and a control group. Future research directions and implications for decision-making theory and public policy are discussed.
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spelling doaj.art-a31acf533e4248c382921c5e98a3f6e12023-08-02T00:35:01ZengCambridge University PressJudgment and Decision Making1930-29752012-03-0172173180Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choiceAndrew E. ReedJoseph A. MikelsCorinna E. LockenhoffPrevious research on the role of choice set size in decision making has focused on decision outcomes and satisfaction. In contrast, little is known about interindividual differences in preferences for larger versus smaller choice sets, let alone the causes of such differences. Drawing on self-efficacy theory, two studies examined the role of decision-making self-efficacy in preferences for choice. Using a correlational approach, Study 1 (n = 89) found that decision-making self-efficacy was positively associated with preferences for choice across a range of consumer decisions. This association was found both between- and within-subjects. Study 2 (n = 65) experimentally manipulated decision-making self-efficacy for an incentive-compatible choice among photo printers. Preferences for choice and pre-choice information seeking were significantly lower in a low-efficacy condition compared to a high-efficacy condition and a control group. Future research directions and implications for decision-making theory and public policy are discussed.http://journal.sjdm.org/11/11919/jdm11919.pdfchoicedecision makingself-efficacyindividual differencesconsumer decisions.NAKeywords
spellingShingle Andrew E. Reed
Joseph A. Mikels
Corinna E. Lockenhoff
Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
Judgment and Decision Making
choice
decision making
self-efficacy
individual differences
consumer decisions.NAKeywords
title Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
title_full Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
title_fullStr Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
title_full_unstemmed Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
title_short Choosing with confidence: Self-efficacy and preferences for choice
title_sort choosing with confidence self efficacy and preferences for choice
topic choice
decision making
self-efficacy
individual differences
consumer decisions.NAKeywords
url http://journal.sjdm.org/11/11919/jdm11919.pdf
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