Trading Up

There once was a study done where the first group of people were given a choice to pick from 12 famous art posters, they were told that their choice would be permanent and that they could never trade in their poster for another one. The second group was given the option of the same 12 posters, but were told that they could trade in their chosen poster for another one, up to three times.

This study found that the people who were given one chance to make a choice reported that they were either satisfied or completely satisfied with their choice. The second group, on the other hand, reported that they were extremely unsatisfied to unsatisfied with each of their choices, including their final choice.

Another study was done where the first group of people were given the choice to pick one of three candy bar options. The second group had to pick one from 20. The first group when asked if they were happy with their choice responded yes, and when asked if they would want to choose another they declined. The second group took almost three times as long to decide, and responded that they were not happy with their choice, and when asked if they would like to trade they said yes up to four times.

Being happy with your choice is a small numbers game, not a large numbers game.

What do you think this has to do with...

1. Dating?
2. Career selection?
3. Consumerism?

Interesting question(s), no?

Just something to think about. 

But don't think too hard-- that would defeat the point.