As a situational influence, antecedent states include: Multiple Choice the amount of cash on hand. the crowding in retail stores. the purpose of the purchase. other people present. the time of day.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: the amount of cash on hand.
Explanation:
In consumer behavior, situational influences refer to temporary conditions or circumstances that affect how consumers behave or make decisions in specific situations. One type of situational influence is the antecedent state, which refers to the individual’s temporary psychological or physiological condition before or during the buying process. This includes things like mood, fatigue, hunger, anxiety, and financial condition.
Among the answer choices provided:
- The amount of cash on hand fits the definition of an antecedent state because it reflects the consumer’s temporary financial condition at the time of purchase. If a shopper has limited cash, they may refrain from buying expensive items or opt for cheaper alternatives. This is a state that can change over time and varies by situation, which makes it an antecedent condition rather than a stable trait.
- Crowding in retail stores is an example of a physical surrounding, another category of situational influences. It refers to the environment and the external setting in which the purchase takes place, not an internal state.
- The purpose of the purchase falls under task definition, which explains the reason or goal for the purchase (e.g., buying a gift vs. buying for personal use). It is not an antecedent state because it’s about the objective of the transaction.
- Other people present involves social surroundings, another situational factor. The presence of friends, family, or even other shoppers can influence buying decisions, but this too is external.
- The time of day is part of temporal effects, referring to timing factors such as time of day, day of the week, or how much time the consumer has to shop.
Therefore, the amount of cash on hand best exemplifies an antecedent state as it represents the consumer’s current internal condition affecting their buying behavior.
