Preference Reversals

Definition

Preference reversals refer to the observation that there are systematic changes in people's preference order between options. Preference order refers to an abstract relation between two options. It is assumed that when an individual is presented with options A and B, he or she either prefers A to B or prefers B to A (or is indifferent between A and B). Systematic changes refer to the observation that people exhibit different or even reverse preferences for the same options in normatively equivalent evaluation conditions (i.e., conditions that differ at first sight but in which the options that people are presented with have essentially remained the same).

History and Background

The preference reversal phenomenon was first observed in the late 1960s and the early 1970s by Sarah ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles