Choice Deferral in Models of Preference Accumulation

Sudeep Bhatia

University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Abstract

This paper models choice deferral using a sequential sampling and accumulation theory of preferential choice. It assumes that choice options are accepted or rejected if accumulators reach an upper or lower threshold, and that choice is deferred if these thresholds are not crossed by a fixed time. The proposed model can explain a wide range of findings regarding the determinants and consequences of choice deferral, including the relationship of deferral with choice option conflict, choice option desirability, choice option extremity, and the attraction and compromise effects.

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Choice Deferral in Models of Preference Accumulation (580 KB)