The impact of self-confidence on the compromise effect

Int J Psychol. 2013;48(4):660-75. doi: 10.1080/00207594.2012.666553. Epub 2012 Apr 18.

Abstract

This research reports an investigation into whether the personality aspect of self-confidence affects the compromise effect. We hypothesize that highly self-confident people have greater certainty in making decisions and are more attracted to risk-taking, which makes them less likely to choose the safe or middle option in a large choice set. The three studies involved are conducted using between- and within-subjects experimental designs. Various product categories are used to generalize the findings. Study 1 looks at purchasing decisions and utilizes three scales of self-confidence, risk preference, and uncertainty; it demonstrates that consumers with high self-confidence are less likely to choose a compromise option due to high certainty in their decision-making. Study 2 discovers that people with low self-confidence are more likely to choose the middle option in a risky condition than in a nonrisky condition. Study 3 decomposes self-confidence into general and specific self-confidence, and reveals that people with low general self-confidence and low specific self-confidence are more likely to choose the middle option.

MeSH terms

  • Choice Behavior*
  • Decision Making
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Concept*
  • Uncertainty*