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Experiential analysis of automotive consumption

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  • Earl, Peter E.

Abstract

This paper uses introspection and deconstruction as tools to improve understanding of how decisions to purchase cars are made and how a person's preferences evolve in the long run. It is based on a much longer, downloadable account of experience with 18 cars over a 30-year period that involves motoring in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Many of the implications drawn from this account contradict conventional economic perspectives on consumer behavior, particularly regarding the presumed use of tradeoffs, the lack of significance of past choices for current actions, and the rationality of responses to information problems and the availability of credit. The paper also reflects on how introspective research is to be used: not as an empirical ‘sample of one’ but as a means of identifying potential problems with existing theories and suggesting new hypotheses to explore more systematically.

Suggested Citation

  • Earl, Peter E., 2012. "Experiential analysis of automotive consumption," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 65(7), pages 1067-1072.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:65:y:2012:i:7:p:1067-1072
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2011.02.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brette, Olivier & Buhler, Thomas & Lazaric, Nathalie & Marechal, Kevin, 2014. "Reconsidering the nature and effects of habits in urban transportation behavior," Journal of Institutional Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(3), pages 399-426, September.
    2. Long, Zoe & Kormos, Christine & Sussman, Reuven & Axsen, Jonn, 2021. "MPG, fuel costs, or savings? Exploring the role of information framing in consumer valuation of fuel economy using a choice experiment," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 109-127.

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