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Consumer Perception in Marketing 2014

The document discusses concepts related to consumer perception and behavior. It covers topics like sensation and perception, sensory thresholds, factors influencing perception, principles of perceptual organization, price perception, perceived value, and models of information processing and consumer decision making. The document appears to be from a course on consumer behavior taught by Prof. Mohan B. Rao and contains information for students in that course.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
91 views52 pages

Consumer Perception in Marketing 2014

The document discusses concepts related to consumer perception and behavior. It covers topics like sensation and perception, sensory thresholds, factors influencing perception, principles of perceptual organization, price perception, perceived value, and models of information processing and consumer decision making. The document appears to be from a course on consumer behavior taught by Prof. Mohan B. Rao and contains information for students in that course.

Uploaded by

bhavesh patel
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PERCEPTION

2014

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR PGDM


PROF. MOHAN [Link]
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BEAUTY

2014

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2014

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2014

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?
2014

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2014

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Sheila

Sheila

Sheila

2014

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PERCEPTION
Our senses ( vision, hearing and smelling,touch)
are more wide ranging, complex, delicate and
sensitive.
Process of perception: Sense organs provide
our brain with a steady flow of information about
our environment and the brains task is to take
this raw material and use it to help us make
sense of the environment.
Perception is a mechanism by which an individual
receives, selects, organizes, and interprets
stimuli into meaningful coherent picture of the
world
2014

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Sensory Thresholds
So the lowest Intensity of a Stimulus that
Consumers are capable of perceiving are:
Absolute Threshold
refers to the
minimum amount
of stimulation that
can be detected on
a sensory channel.
Marketing Stimuli

2014

Differential Threshold
refers to the ability
of a sensory system
to detect changes or
differences between
two stimuli. ([Link] Noticeable
Difference &
Webers Law)

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Marketing Applications
of the JND
Need to determine the relevant j.n.d. for their
products
so that negative changes are not readily
discernible to the public
so that product improvements are very apparent
to consumers

2014

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Gradual Changes in Brand Name


Fall Below the J.N.D.

2014

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Subliminal Perception
There are wide individual differences in threshold
levels
Advertisers lack control over consumers distance
and position from a screen
The consumer must be paying absolute attention
to the stimulus
Even if the desired effect is induced, it operates
only at a very general level

2014

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Marketing Variables Influencing


Consumer Perception

2014

Nature of Product
Physical Attributes of Product
Package Design
Brand Name
Advertisements & Commercials
Editorial Environment
??????.
??????????.
????????????.
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Marketing Variables Influencing


Consumer Perception

2014

Nature of Product
Physical Attributes of Product
Package Design
Brand Name
Advertisements & Commercials
Editorial Environment
Price.
Logistics & distribution.
Sales outlets & sales personnel..
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ELEMENTS OF PERCEPTION
Sensation
The human organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin) that receive
sensory inputs.

The absolute threshold


The lowest level at which an individual can experience a sensation.

Sensory adaptation
Getting used to certain sensations; becoming accommodated to a
certain level of stimulation.

???????????
The minimal difference that can be detected between two stimuli.
Also known as the j.n.d. (just noticeable difference).

???????????
Perception of very weak or rapid stimuli received below the level of
conscious awareness
2014

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ELEMENTS OF PERCEPTION
Sensation
The human organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin) that receive
sensory inputs.

The absolute threshold


The lowest level at which an individual can experience a sensation.

Sensory adaptation
Getting used to certain sensations; becoming accommodated to a
certain level of stimulation.

The differential threshold


The minimal difference that can be detected between two stimuli.
Also known as the j.n.d. (just noticeable difference).

Subliminal perception
Perception of very weak or rapid stimuli received below the level of
conscious awareness
2014

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PERCEPTION CONTD
External Factors of Stimuli: * Intensity & Size *
Position * Contrast * Novelty * Repetition *
Movement.
Internal Factors of Stimuli: *selective attention *
selective exposure* selective reception* selective
comprehension* selective retention
Stimulus can be assortment of sensory inputs like
products; packaging; adverts; impact of visuals.
Result is: All of us have a tendency to view the
same phenomenon or situation differently.

2014

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Various references to Perception


I. Perceptual Blocking:
Blocking out stimuli consciously when too much information
is Bombarded.

II. Perceptual Organization:


The way the stimuli are organized around principles of
Figure & Ground; Grouping; Closure.

[Link] Interpretation:
Dependent on individual expectations in the light of
previous experience or intuition or motives or interest at the
time of perception.
2014

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Various references to Perception


IV. Perceptual Distortions:
Due to Personality or physical experience; stereotypes;
Halo effect; Irrelevant cues; First impression; hasty conclusions.

V. Perceptual Mapping:
A technique to help understand and estimate how products
& services appear to the consumer in relation to competition.

2014

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Stimulus Organization
Closure Principle
People Tend to Perceive an
Incomplete Picture as
Whole.

Principle of Similarity
Consumers Tend to Group
Objects That Share Similar
Physical characteristics.

Figure-Ground Principle
One Part of the Stimulus Will
Dominate (the Figure) While
Other Parts Recede Into
the Backdrop
(the Ground)

2014

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2014

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2014

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Perceptual Organization
Grouping & closure

2014

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Model of the Effects of Price, Brand Name, and


Store Name on Perceived Value
Brand
Name

Store
Name

Perception
of Brand

Perception
of Store

Objectiv
e Price

+
+

Perception
of Price

Perceived
Quality

Perceived
Sacrifice

Perceived
Value

Willingness
to Buy
2014

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Price Perception
Consumers perceive a price as either
high or low on the basis of a
comparison with an internal price (or
referent price).
Price perceptions and the social
judgment theory regions
Assimilation (acceptable)
and contrast (too high or low)
2014

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Perceived Value
The trade-off between product benefits
and product costs.
Perceived value = perceived benefits / perceived costs

2014

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Understanding Consumers

2014

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Information Processing Model of CB


Individual
Consumer:
Personality (intro/extro)

information

Stimuli

Selection

Environmental
Characteristics:
Culture (color)

beliefs

Interpretation

Memory/Prior Knowledge

2014

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Attitudes:
Like/Dislike

Choice

2014

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Usually, you cant get voluntary


attention (hard to make ads
personally relevant for all
consumers)
Then you have to rely on
involuntary attention-getting
techniques
2014

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Information Processing at Work


Select certain stimuli which stand out in the ad
Plane
Brand names: Forbes, Economist

Interpret: advertiser is trying to compare the brands


(you know Economy class is cheaper; Business is more
expensive; First class is most expensive MEMORY)

Belief: Forbes is for the most up-market passengers


Attitude: Favorable attitude towards Forbes
May buy the magazine (Choice)

Individual differences: Expensive = good?


Environment: comparative ad: good?

2014

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Interpretation (Perception)
Interpretation = next stage
after selection

Reaching subjective conclusions based on


the information
i.e., forming beliefs

The key process that we use for interpretation:


Inferencing
2014

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Involuntary attention-getting
techniques
Contrast.
Big difference between two adjacent
stimuli
Novelty
Color
Size
Humor
Sex
2014

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Inference: Forming Beliefs Through


Simple Association
Some concepts are naturally associated
together in consumers minds
Example: high price = quality/status

Marketers create inferences about brand


image by using these associations
Color of product or package
Blue: ?? (detergent)
Green: ?? (toothpaste)
Drink and Detergent (colorless vs. yellow).

2014

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Inference: Forming Beliefs Through


Simple Association
Brand name
Alphanumeric (ASCENT XYS)

Country of origin (where the product is made often


has associations)
Clothing: which country = status associations?

Brand extensions also use inferencing principles


Surf excel = what associations?

2014

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Explain
A famous Harvard professor of decision sciences was once retained
by a retailer to suggest ways to improve sales efficiency in its store.
When he arrived, he became especially concerned with the women's
blouse sub department in the "bargain basement." This area seemed
to be extremely inefficient. Blouses were strewn about in a jumble
and shoppers wasted many minutes attempting to find their correct
size. Upon mentioning this to the management, the professor was
invited to return the next morning to observe the entire process from
scratch. He noted that prior to the store opening hour, employees
neatly arranged also the blouses by size. Then, however, they threw
them on the encounter and thoroughly mixed them up! WHY?

2014

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR PGDM


PROF. MOHAN [Link]
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Explain
A famous Harvard professor of decision sciences was once retained
by a retailer to suggest ways to improve sales efficiency in its store.
When he arrived, he became especially concerned with the women's
blouse sub department in the "bargain basement." This area seemed
to be extremely inefficient. Blouses were strewn about in a jumble
and shoppers wasted many minutes attempting to find their correct
size. Upon mentioning this to the management, the professor was
invited to return the next morning to observe the entire process from
scratch. He noted that prior to the store opening hour, employees
neatly arranged also the blouses by size. Then, however, they threw
them on the encounter and thoroughly mixed them up! For some
reason, this technique seemed to increase total sales of the blouses.

2014

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR PGDM


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Leads us to Perceptual Positioning


Positioning Strategy Uses Elements of the Marketing Mix to
Influence the Consumers Interpretation of Its Meaning.
Quality

Lifestyle

Users

Price Leadership
Positioning
Dimensions

Occasions

Competitors
2014

Attributes

Product Class
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Positioning: Create a Perception


Two aspects of successful positioning
The belief/perception you create must be about an
attribute that matters
Coke and taste

You should be perceived differently from


competition!
Pepsi vs. Coke
Cars: again, helps to have a distinctive position
Which brand has the cute car position?
Which brand has the safe car position?

2014

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR PGDM


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General Takeaway for Consumer Behavior


Consumer Perceptions are very important!
The objective product (diamonds) may not really have value; but
people can perceive it as having value. This is where your
positioning strategy comes in.

Positioning = make consumers perceive the product


in a certain way (e.g., gift of love)
Positioning strategies have to be designed with
regard to what perceptions will sell.
E.g., romantic love is important in West
Not so much in East: Success / harmony / prosperity much
more important

So position accordingly (and be ready to change


positioning once values change)
2014

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LETS REFRESH..
POSITIONING

Establishing a defined image for a brand in


relation to competing brands.
REPOSITIONING

Changing the way a product is perceived by


consumers in relation to other brands or product
uses
REFERENCE PRICE

Any price that a consumer uses as a basis for


comparison in judging another price.
2014

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How Businesses Shape Consumers


Opinions
Product name
Product packaging
Colors
Price perceptions
Free product samples
Advertising
Product endorsers
2014

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The Products Name Influences


Opinion Formation
The meaning derived from the name may influence
the opinion formed about the product
When it conveys the wrong meaning, sales can suffer
Research on composite branding shows the brand
name appearing first has the strongest influence on
attributes associated with that name
Descriptive names and labels have also been seen to
influence consumers opinions and behaviors
2014

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Product Packaging Influences Opinion


Formation
Product packaging creates expectations of the product and
its capabilities including impressions of how much product is
inside the package
Packages are effective at drawing attention particularly when
they have an unusual shape or are taller and thinner as
opposed to shorter but wider packaging

Me-too product packaging, which imitates packaging of a


leading brand, tries to create favorable opinions with
consumers
Stimulus generation occurs when, for an existing stimulusresponse relationship, the more similar a new stimulus is to
the existing one, the more likely it will evoke the same
response
2014

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Color Influences Opinion Formation


Consumer opinions are often tied to the products color (which
conveys meaning)
Color granules in detergents and cold capsules serve as a
visual cue for products effectiveness
Pastel colored vacuum cleaners are perceived to be lighter in
weight rather than dark colored tones
Colors of foods may change expectations of flavor and also
change perceived flavor (vanilla pudding that is colored
chocolate)
Websites that use blue screens are seen as more relaxing
with faster download times than those with yellow screens
2014

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Price Perceptions
Nine-ending prices: when the last digit of the price is the
number 9, it signals a lower price or is mentally rounded
down ..Given a price of Rs 49.99, it can be viewed as Rs
49.00 instead of Rs 50.00
Reference pricing: information about a price other than that
actually charged for the product is provided
Price tag may carry actual price and manufacturer
recommended price or price previously charged
Designed to encourage consumers to form a favorable
opinion about the reasonableness of the price

Free samples (gifting) can be effective when introducing a


new product
They encourage trial and help foster positive opinions
2014

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Advertising Influences Opinion


Formation- Advertising Appeals
Informational advertising appeals attempt to influence consumers
beliefs about the advertised product
Emotional advertising appeals try to influence consumers feelings
about the advertised product
Utilitarian advertising appeals aim to influence consumers opinions
about the advertised products ability to perform its intended function
Value-expressive advertising appeals attempt to influence consumers
opinions about the advertised products ability to communicate
something about the use of the product.
The appropriateness of using a particular type of appeal depends on whats
important to consumers as they form their product opinions
Products can be valued for both their utilitarian and value-expressive
properties
2014

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Advertising Influences Opinion


Formation- Claims
Stronger claims create more favorable product opinions
Relevancy makes claims stronger

Strength also depends on what the ad conveys about the


products characteristics and benefits
Ad claim substantiation is important in opinion formation
Search claims: claims that can be validated before purchase
by examining information readily available in the marketplace
Testimonials and product demonstrations are effective ways
to substantiate claims

Advertising execution elements, pictures, camera angles etc.


2014

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Product Endorsers Influence Opinion


Formation
Endorsers can help shape product opinions in several ways:
Association with brand may be reason enough to buy it

Endorsers may embody meanings that companies want attached to


their brands
Match-up hypothesis: endorsers are more effective when perceived
as appropriate for the product
Endorsers may give testimonials and provide evidence of products
attributes (make-up on a model)
Endorsers may serve as a peripheral cue

Endorsers trustworthiness is critical in increasing the


believability of the ad claim
2014

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Common questions

Powered by AI

Selective perception implies that consumers subconsciously select which stimuli to focus on, often aligning with their needs, beliefs, and previous experiences, leading to challenges in targeted marketing campaigns. Marketers must consider how consumers' pre-existing notions might filter out intended messages, requiring highly tailored communications that penetrate these biases. For instance, consumers demonstrating selective attention might ignore ads lacking immediate personal relevance or strong emotional cues . Therefore, marketers must design campaigns using stimuli that resonate strongly with the target audience's current interests or offer unique, compelling narratives to overcome perception barriers . This involves creating distinct, memorable messages that challenge or align with pre-existing perceptions while standing out amongst competing stimuli.

Perceptual mapping serves as a visual tool to analyze how consumers perceive a brand relative to competitors based on different attributes. By plotting product attributes, businesses gain insights into perceived strengths and weaknesses. This aids in identifying gaps in the market and areas of improvement, allowing companies to refine their positioning strategies or develop new products that better align with consumer expectations . For instance, if a perceptual map reveals that consumers perceive all competitors as offering similar quality at a certain price, a firm might choose to reposition itself by enhancing perceived quality or reducing perceived price, gaining a competitive edge .

The absolute threshold impacts marketing strategies by determining the minimal level of stimulus noticeable to consumers, guiding companies to create distinctive ads and product features that clearly penetrate consumers' awareness amidst excessive sensory input. Meanwhile, the differential threshold dictates the minimal noticeable difference between stimuli needed for consumers to perceive changes or improvements in products. Companies leverage this to ensure that product enhancements are perceived as significant improvements while avoiding detectable negative changes through strategic packaging, pricing, or formulations . This understanding allows marketers to fine-tune their offerings and communications to optimize consumer impact .

Product attributes, package design, and brand name collectively affect consumer perception by aligning with consumers' sensory and cognitive processes. Product attributes serve as direct indicators of quality and functionality, impacting perceptions through actual experience or expectations formed from external cues. Package design acts as a silent salesperson; its design cues such as color, shape, and material can set quality expectations or attract attention by standing out visually. Brand names contribute by leveraging existing brand equity or associations, which influence perceptions even before the product experience occurs . These elements collectively form a coherent image and enhance the perceived value by creating a notable presence or aligning with consumer expectations and cultural values .

The figure-ground organization principle in perception describes how one part of a stimulus dominates as the 'figure,' while other elements recede into the 'ground.' In advertising, application of this principle ensures that the main message or product feature captures consumer attention as the 'figure,' prominently standing out from less important background elements . This design principle helps create visually striking ads by leveraging contrast and focus to guide viewers’ attention efficiently. For example, a bright-colored product against a muted background enables the product to 'pop,' enhancing visibility and message clarity. Effective use of figure-ground organization aids in simplifying complex messages, directing focus, and facilitating easier information processing by consumers .

Color plays a significant role in shaping consumer expectations and perception by conveying different meanings and eliciting emotional responses. In the consumer goods sector, color choices can suggest certain product attributes; for instance, pastel colors in vacuum cleaners can imply lighter weight, while dark colors may suggest robustness. In food products, color impacts taste expectations where, for example, a vanilla pudding colored chocolate alters flavor perceptions. Additionally, the choice of website background color, like blue, can influence perceptions of ease of use and speed . These effects manifest through learned associations and cultural connotations, allowing brands to strategically choose colors that align with their marketing messages and desired brand identity .

Perceptual congruity involves aligning brand positioning with consumers' existing expectations and perceptions, creating consistent brand messages across all touchpoints. To enhance brand positioning, companies can utilize perceptual congruity by ensuring their product attributes, messaging, and experiences resonate with what consumers already believe, enhancing credibility and trust. For instance, a luxury automotive brand should maintain congruity with perceptions of high performance and exclusivity by aligning every marketing element—from advertising imagery to showroom experiences—with these attributes . This alignment aids in reinforcing brand identity, differentiating from competitors, and building stronger connections with target audiences. By consistently meeting or exceeding predefined consumer expectations, brands can effectively leverage congruity to solidify their market position and cultivate lasting loyalty .

Associative networks are mental structures that represent connections between concepts and experiences. They play a crucial role in shaping consumer perception by linking brand names to certain attributes, memories, or emotions. When a brand name triggers positive associations, it can enhance a consumer’s preference and increase brand loyalty. Companies can leverage this understanding by building and reinforcing favorable associations through consistent branding, marketing communications, and consumer experiences. For example, by consistently aligning a luxury brand with opulence and exclusivity, companies fortify these associations within consumers' minds, prompting brand recall and preference during purchase decisions . Successfully managing these associations can lead to a strong brand equity, setting a brand apart in a crowded marketplace.

Sensory adaptation refers to the process where prolonged exposure to a stimulus reduces sensitivity to it, compelling marketers to frequently change and update stimuli to regain consumer attention due to diminished responsiveness over time . In contrast, subliminal perception involves stimuli being perceived without conscious awareness, often operating on a subtle level to nudge consumer preference. Marketers aiming to employ subliminal messages face challenges due to the need for precise control over stimuli exposure and consumer attention . While sensory adaptation demands changes to campaign content to maintain effectiveness, subliminal perception's impact is controversial, relying on influencing consumers’ subconscious while ethical considerations and evidence of effectiveness remain debatable. These differences guide marketers in balancing overt and subtle marketing tactics.

The Just Noticeable Difference (JND) assists marketers in implementing price changes by enabling incremental adjustments that remain undetected by consumers, minimizing perceived negative impacts while maximizing positive perceptions. For example, when a company must increase prices due to rising costs, understanding the JND allows them to do so within a range that consumers may not readily perceive. Conversely, when lowering prices or offering discounts, ensuring the reduction exceeds the JND makes the change noticeable to consumers, promoting perceived value and driving sales response . By strategically managing price adjustments within these thresholds, marketers can balance profit margins without eroding consumer trust or value perception .

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