Is Consumer Overchoice a Reason for Decision Paralysis?

Abstract

Time and responses are vital to the process of decision-making. It is a common assumption that having a wide array of options from which to choose is a good thing, but is that truly the case? This research aims to investigate the consumer’s reaction to the increasing number of choices available (which will be referred to as choice overload, or overchoice); more precisely, if it is related to paralysis concerning decision-making. To obtain structured and relevant results, the study is an intergenerational one, endeavoring to compare the outcomes across three different generations (Generations X, Y, and Z) and across their genders. It also aims at identifying trends, if any should arise, pertaining to the matter of overchoice. A survey was conducted among 396 respondents from Iasi, Romania, and the questionnaire is presented in the annex. The main results indicate that product overchoice is real but is more significant in terms of generational point of view rather than that of gender. The findings fill a knowledge gap on the relationship between choice overload and decision paralysis.