Experiences in the form of packets : an epi-hedonic framework of active versus passive experiences
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- Conventional wisdom suggests that to maximize a hedonic experience (e.g., vacations, concerts, movies), one ought to actively prepare for those experiences (e.g., , by planning, anticipating, savoring). However, in situations ranging from creating music playlists to watching TV shows to studying art, I find that not preparing for experiences (having passive experiences) yields greater pleasure, while preparing for experiences (having active experiences) can reduce pleasure. This occurs because information processing before an experience distorts how that experience is consumed. Unlike basic stimuli, experiences are structured events that flow and unfold over time, and are often composed of ordered sequences of information-packets (e.g., scenes in a movie). Since not all packets are remembered or promoted equally, active experiences (which can depend on memory and/or exogenous cues for information) result in focalism on focal packets and derogation of non-focal packets. In other words, passive versus active modes of experiencing can change the relative experienced utility of the individual packets of an experience. However, preparing for experiences (active experiencing) is not strictly hedonically detrimental; active experiences can enhance pleasure when 1) the worst packets are considered along with the best packets, or 2) when there is no information on the structure of the experience (e.g., , you do not know when the focal packet will come). Experimental findings contribute to a conceptual framework of Epi-hedonics (the impact of pre-experiential cognitive processes on experiencing hedonic experiences) that has theoretical implications and an integrative framework for conceptualizations of utility and reward, and practical implications for repeat consumption, service design, promotional strategies, and the validity of marketing.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Form | electronic; electronic resource; remote |
| Extent | 1 online resource. |
| Publication date | 2013 |
| Issuance | monographic |
| Language | English |
Creators/Contributors
| Associated with | Jia, Jayson Shi |
|---|---|
| Associated with | Stanford University, Graduate School of Business. |
| Primary advisor | Shiv, Baba, 1960- |
| Thesis advisor | Shiv, Baba, 1960- |
| Thesis advisor | Khan, Uzma, (Professor of marketing) |
| Thesis advisor | Tormala, Zakary L |
| Advisor | Khan, Uzma, (Professor of marketing) |
| Advisor | Tormala, Zakary L |
Subjects
| Genre | Theses |
|---|
Bibliographic information
| Statement of responsibility | Jayson Shi Jia. |
|---|---|
| Note | Submitted to the Graduate School of Business. |
| Thesis | Thesis (Ph.D.)--Stanford University, 2013. |
| Location | electronic resource |
Access conditions
- Copyright
- © 2013 by Shi Jia
- License
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC).
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