Attractiveness of decision rules

Abstract

Four groups of fifteen subjects were each presented with a hypothetical choice situation (job offers or apartments). Before choosing, the subjects were informed about three compensatory and three non-compensatory decision rules and were asked to rate the applicability of each rule in the given situation. Means of the applicability ratings were highest for two compensatory rules. The response distributions across individuals and situations indicated that the subjects could distinguish among the rules in a meaningful way. Reported usage of decision rules was closely related to the applicability ratings, particularly for the conjunctive rule. Factors favoring certain rules were discussed, as well as the validity of retrospective reports on decision rules.