Feature Complementarity and Assortment in Choice

This research argues that the purchase probability from a given choice set is contingent on the complementarity of the features differentiating its options. In particular, two types of features are distinguished: complementary features, which are characterized by the additivity of their utilities, a...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Journal of Consumer Research. - University of Chicago Press. - 31(2005), 4, Seite 748-759
1. Verfasser: Chernev, Alexander (VerfasserIn)
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Veröffentlicht: 2005
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Journal of Consumer Research
Schlagworte:Behavioral Decision Theory Judgment and Decision Making Choice (Brand or Product Level) Preferences Health sciences Business Behavioral sciences Mathematics Philosophy Physical sciences mehr... Applied sciences Alexander
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:This research argues that the purchase probability from a given choice set is contingent on the complementarity of the features differentiating its options. In particular, two types of features are distinguished: complementary features, which are characterized by the additivity of their utilities, and noncomplementary features, which are characterized by nonadditive utilities. In this context, it is argued that assortments in which options are differentiated by noncomplementary features are likely to be associated with a greater probability of purchase than assortments with options differentiated by complementary features. This prediction is supported by data from three experimental studies. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical implications and offers directions for further research.
Beschreibung:* Alexander Chernev is associate professor of marketing, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2001 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 ( achnorthwestern.edu ). The author thanks the editor, the associate editor, and the three reviewers for their advice and constructive comments.
ISSN:15375277
DOI:10.1086/426608