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The effect of start/end temporal landmarks on consumers' visual attention and judgments

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  • Bi, Sheng
  • Perkins, Andrew
  • Sprott, David

Abstract

A particular point in time can be framed as either the start or end of a given time period. However, limited research is available on how such temporal landmarks influence consumers' judgments. This research addresses this issue by investigating how start vs. end temporal landmarks influence consumers' attentional focus and subsequent judgments. Six studies demonstrate that framing a temporal landmark as the start of a time period shifts visual attention to the left, while framing a temporal landmark as the end of a time period shifts visual attention to the right. By changing attentional focus within the visual-spatial environment, a temporal-spatial congruity between a temporal landmark (start vs. end) and the location of a target object (left vs. right) increases people's preference for that target object. Overall, these findings provide valuable implications for marketing theory and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Bi, Sheng & Perkins, Andrew & Sprott, David, 2021. "The effect of start/end temporal landmarks on consumers' visual attention and judgments," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 136-154.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijrema:v:38:y:2021:i:1:p:136-154
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijresmar.2020.04.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Siyun Chen & Haiying Wei, 2023. "Linking Temporal Landmarks to Voluntary Simplicity: The Mediating Roles of Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 188(4), pages 693-708, December.

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