An effectiveness analysis of information channeling in choice decision making with attribute importance weights

In multi-alternative, multi-attribute choice decision tasks, decision makers use either alternative-based or attribute-based information processing patterns. Evidence suggests that channeling of access patterns may be effective. Restricted search of only key information attributes may be further encouraged when importance weights for attributes are predetermined and provided to the decision makers. This study examines the effectiveness of alternative-based channeling and attribute-based channeling with or without the provision of attribute importance weights. Both alternative-based and attribute-based channeling improves the decision accuracy when attribute weights are provided. In addition, the results indicate statistically significant effects on decision accuracy for the type of information display. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.