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Choice between Negative Alternatives: Dissonance Reduction or Regret?

Psychological ReportsPublished 1 June 1970
G. William Walster, Elaine Walster
Citations11
SJR quartileQ2
SJR score0.76
SNIP0.91

Abstract

In 1962 an experiment investigated whether or not individuals commonly experience regret after making decisions. Results suggested Ss probably experienced more regret as time passed. There was no evidence that they ever succeeded in reducing dissonance. One of three current interpretations is that the more negative the choice alternatives, the more post-decisional regret a decision maker should experience. An experimental design to test alternative interpretations is proposed.

Keywords

Decision Sciences