Choice Overload

People get overwhelmed when they are presented with many options. While we tend to assume that more choice is a good thing, research has shown that, in many cases, we have a harder time choosing from a larger array of options.

#cognition

  1. Chernev, A., Böckenholt, U., & Goodman, J. (2015). Choice overload: A conceptual review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 25(2), 333-358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2014.08.002
  2. Schwartz, B. (2005). The paradox of choice [Video]. TED: Ideas worth spreading. https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice/up-next?language=en#t-783964
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  7. Morrin, M., Broniarczyk, S. M., & Inman, J. J. (2012). Plan format and participation in 401(k) plans: The moderating role of investor knowledge. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 31(2), 254-268. https://doi.org/10.1509/jppm.10.122
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  9. Choi, J., & Fishbach, A. (2011). Choice as an end versus a means. Journal of Marketing Research, 48(3), 544-554. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkr.48.3.544
  10. Muench, F. (2010, November 1). The burden of choice. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/more-tech-support/201011/the-burden-choice
  11. Jacobs, T. (2014, July 14). Presence of a smartphone lowers quality of conversations. Pacific Standard. https://psmag.com/social-justice/presence-smart-phone-lowers-quality-person-conversations-85805
  12. Tugend, A. (2010, February 27). Too many choices: A problem that can paralyze. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/27/your-money/27shortcuts.html?_r=1&
  13. Chernev, A., Böckenholt, U., & Goodman, J. K. (2014). Choice overload: A conceptual review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 25(2), 333–358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2014.08.002
  14. Sthapit, E. (2018). The more the merrier: Souvenir shopping, the absence of choice overload and preferred attributes. Tourism Management Perspectives, 26, 126–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.10.001