Three studies examine the effect of limited availability on the engagement, consumption, and choice behavior of four- to five-year old children. It is shown that children engage longer in an activity when the activity is presented as limited in time and consume more of a particular food when the food is presented as limited in quantity. It is also shown that the consumption ratio of a less preferred food to a more preferred one increases when the less preferred food is presented as limited in quantity. Finally, children are more likely to choose a less preferred option over a more preferred one when the less preferred option becomes less available.
Date Published: 2019
Citations: Maimaran, Michal, Yuval Salant. 2019. The Effect of Limited Availability on Children's Consumption, Engagement, and Choice Behavior. Judgment and Decision Making. (1)72-79.