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Assessing Projection Bias in Consumers’ Food Preferences

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  • Tiziana de-Magistris
  • Azucena Gracia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to test whether projection bias exists in consumers’ purchasing decisions for food products. To achieve our aim, we used a non-hypothetical experiment (i.e., experimental auction), where hungry and non-hungry participants were incentivized to reveal their willingness to pay (WTP). The results confirm the existence of projection bias when consumers made their decisions on food products. In particular, projection bias existed because currently hungry participants were willing to pay a higher price premium for cheeses than satiated ones, both in hungry and satiated future states. Moreover, participants overvalued the food product more when they were delivered in the future hungry condition than in the satiated one. Our study provides clear, quantitative and meaningful evidence of projection bias because our findings are based on economic valuation of food preferences. Indeed, the strength of this study is that findings are expressed in terms of willingness to pay which is an interpretable amount of money.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiziana de-Magistris & Azucena Gracia, 2016. "Assessing Projection Bias in Consumers’ Food Preferences," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-11, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0146308
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146308
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Clot, Sophie & Grolleau, Gilles & Ibanez, Lisette, 2022. "Projection bias in environmental beliefs and behavioural intentions - An application to solar panels and eco-friendly transport," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
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