🧠psychology - physical environment studies Flashcards
Example study on exterior store design
Mower et al
Aim of Mower et al
To investigate the influence of window displays and landscaping on customer mood, liking of external environment and intentions to purchase products from small apparel boutique
Sample of Mower et al
- 180
- Mostly F
- From universities in the USA
Procedure of Mower et al
- Participants imagined they need a new pair of jeans
- They log into a website and read one of four descriptions of a store exterior of an apparel boutique
- Completed an outline questionnaire with 6 questions on liking of store exterior, landscaping, window displays and 3 questions on patronage intentions
Controls in Mower et al
Structure and color of shop
IV of Mower et al
Presence and absence of window displays or landscaping in the descriptions
What was being described as displayed in Mower et al?
Female mannequin with fashionable outfit against modern backdrop
Large glazed pots with ivy for landscaping
Results of Mower et al
- No effect of window displays or landscaping on pleasure and arousal
- Window displays and landscaping had a positive relationship with purchase intention and liking of external environment
- Analysis suggested that liking increased pleasure and arousal
Example study on interior store design
Vrechopolus et al
Aim of Vrechopolus et al
To investigate whether research findings in physical shopping apply to virtual shopping
Sample of Vrechopolus et al
- 120 people
- From universities in Athens and London
- Experienced internet users
Hypotheses of Vrechopolus et al
H1: Grid layout would be percieved as most useful for planned purchases
H2: Freeform layout would be percieved as easiest to use
H3: Racetrack layout would be most entertaining
H4: Most time would be spent in freeform layout
Procedure of Vrechopolus et al
- Each participant interacts with one of the virtual store layouts
- Variables measured with self report scales for ease of use, usefulness, and entertainment and computer for time spent
- Participants given blank shopping lists and access to list of available products to plan purchases
Money given to participants in Vrechopolus et al
20 pounds or 12000 GDR
Controls in Vrechopolus et al
BG color, display techniques, products, prices
20 participants from each country per condition
Results of Vrechopolus et al
- Freeform layout percieved as significantly more useful and entertaining than others
- Grid layout perceived as significantly easier to use than freeform and racetrack
- Most time spent shopping on racetrack
What was North and Hargreaves?
A study that investigated the effect of music genres on perceptions of a student cafeteria and intention to spend money, finding that classical music led to a more upmarket perception and greater spending intentions
Key study on sound and consumer behavior
North et al
Aim of North et al
To investigate the effect of musical style on the amount of money customers spent in a restaurant
Hypothesis of North et al
- Classical music would lead to customers spending more money than pop music
- No prediction about effect of no music
Sample of North et al
- 393 customers
- Roughly equal male and female
- Who ate in the restaurant on 18 evenings between February and March 2002
North et al: How were participants decieved?
They were not aware they were taking part in a study
Where did North et al take place?
Restaurant in a small affluent town in Leicestershire, UK with an expensive a la carte menu
IV and its levels in North et al
The type of background music played:
Pop or classical or no music (control)
Classical music in North et al included…
Vivaldi, Handel, Strauss
Pop music in North et al included…
Britney Spears, Culture Club, Ricky Martin
DV of North et al
- Mean spend per person per table
- Overal drinks bill
- Overall food bill
- Total spend
- Total time spent from being seated to paying
North et al: food bits!
- Starters
- Main course
- Desserts
- Coffee
- Bar drinks
- Wine
Experimental design of North et al
Independent measures
Procedure of North et al
- Experimenter played role of waitress and collected data
- Each participant experienced one type of music or none at all
- Each type of music was played on 6 nights, counterbalanced so that it alternated week to week
- Researchers recorded how long diners stated at the restaurant