Electronic Information Systems for Consumers: An Evaluation of Computer-Assisted Formats in Multiple Decision Environments

Abstract

The performance of three formats in three choice sets was studied. In choice sets with negatively correlated attributes, the computer-assisted LINEAR format led to superior decisions in comparison with a computer-assisted CUTOFF format and a simple RAN DOM-order format. Decision quality, however, was high and the same across the formats in a choice set with non-negatively correlated attributes. The LINEAR format was highly regarded by subjects, resulted in timely decisions, and is recommended on the basis of its performance in the study.