Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 9, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

An emerging body of research on signaling theory applies evolutionary psychology to explain the purpose of a signaler's use of a luxury brand. However, in response to visible signals displayed by an unknown woman's use of a luxury brand, the male receivers' decoding (perceptions) and reactions (counter-signals) on the signals are ignored in previous research. This research has the overarching objective of filling this research gap through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Through a series of experiments, it was found that an unknown woman using a luxury (vs. non-luxury) brand results in men believing that she is more likely to be in a committed relationship. Also, there is a moderating effect of an unknown woman's overall physical attractiveness on the effect of her use of a luxury (vs. non-luxury) brand on men's intentions to attract her; and men's attracting intentions mediate the moderating effect of an unknown woman's overall physical attractiveness on the effect of her use of a luxury (vs. non-luxury) brand on men's intentions to display material resources or physical fitness. These research findings not only offer theoretical contributions to signaling theory, but also generate managerial implications and future research directions.

A imagem de preço é formada por representações, impressões, convicções e redes de significados que estão armazenados na memória dos indivíduos em um contexto subjetivo, emocional e de forma holística que estão relacionados a fatores presentes nos preços. No entanto, estudos realizados sobre imagem de preço mensuraram a dimensão cognitiva da percepção do mesmo, onde o preço assume uma conotação, além do valor monetário. Sua imagem desempenha uma função de processo, de desenvolvimento de percepções complexas e holísticas vivenciadas pelos consumidores. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar o efeito de diferentes níveis de preço de uma nova marca de produto sobre as dimensões da imagem de preço e a intenção de compra. Para testar as hipóteses propostas, empregou-se a técnica experimental com 326 amostras válidas. Esta pesquisa também investiga o efeito mediador entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra, utilizando como variáveis o valor percebido, a justiça percebida e a qualidade percebida, onde foram realizadas regressões lineares. Os resultados encontrados através dos experimentos denotam que as dimensões valor percebido, justiça percebida e as emoções positivas, são influenciadas pelos baixos níveis de preço. No entanto, as emoções negativas são mais fortemente manifestadas em altos níveis de preço, não havendo influência dos níveis de preço, no que se refere aos aspectos simbólicos de sua imagem. Quanto à qualidade percebida, houve somente um impacto significativo nos altos níveis de preço, sendo assim, a hipótese foi parcialmente confirmada, pois houve diferença significativa entre os dois extremos dos níveis de preço. Os achados relativos ao efeito mediador demonstram que o valor percebido e a justiça percebida mediam totalmente a relação entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra, para uma nova marca de produto, porém, a variável mediadora qualidade percebida não media a relação entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra. Baseado nisto, esta pesquisa amplia a compreensão sobre a construção da imagem de preço e o efeito dos níveis de preço de uma nova marca de produto sobre a imagem de preço. Desta forma, este estudo pode servir como um instrumento para que os pesquisadores, os estrategistas de marketing e as organizações possam compreender melhor como pode ser configurada a imagem de preço, junto aos consumidores, atuando como suporte na tomada de decisão das organizações, principalmente no que se refere ao gerenciamento de estratégias de precificação. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2014-11-12T16:51:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Alexandra Elvira Mazzochi Scopel.pdf: 2628875 bytes, checksum: 541375586fc6591fc1f107642ad1f035 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-11-12T16:51:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Alexandra Elvira Mazzochi Scopel.pdf: 2628875 bytes, checksum: 541375586fc6591fc1f107642ad1f035 (MD5) / The image of price is formed by representations, impressions, beliefs and networks of meanings that are stored in the memory of individuals in a subjective, emotional context and in holistic way that are related to factors present in prices. However, studies on price image measure the cognitive dimension of its perception, where the price assumes a connotation beyond monetary value. Your image plays a role of process, of developing complex and holistic perceptions experienced by consumers. Thus, this research aims to analyze the effect of different levels of price of a brand new product on the image dimensions of price and purchase intent. To test the hypotheses, we used the experimental technique with 326 valid samples. This research also investigates the mediating effect between price levels and purchase intent, using variables such as the perceived value, perceived fairness and perceived quality, where linear regressions were performed. The results from the experiment shave shown that the dimensions perceived value, perceived justice and positive emotions are influenced by low price levels. However, negative emotions are more strongly expressed in high levels of price and in relation to the symbolic aspects of its image there is no influence of price levels. Regarding the perceived quality, there was only one significant impact on the high price levels, so the hypothesis was partially confirmed as there was a significant difference between the two extremes of price levels. Findings related to the mediating effect show that perceived value and perceived justice fully mediate the relationship between price levels and purchase intent for a brand new product, however, the mediator variable perceived quality does not mediate the relationship between price levels and purchase intent. Based on this, this research extends the understanding of image construction price and the effect of price levels of a brand new product on the price image. Thus, this study can serve as a tool for researchers, marketing strategists and organizations can better understand how it can be configured to image the price to consumers, acting as support in the decision making of organizations, especially regarding the management of pricing strategies.

A imagem de preço é formada por representações, impressões, convicções e redes de significados que estão armazenados na memória dos indivíduos em um contexto subjetivo, emocional e de forma holística que estão relacionados a fatores presentes nos preços. No entanto, estudos realizados sobre imagem de preço mensuraram a dimensão cognitiva da percepção do mesmo, onde o preço assume uma conotação, além do valor monetário. Sua imagem desempenha uma função de processo, de desenvolvimento de percepções complexas e holísticas vivenciadas pelos consumidores. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar o efeito de diferentes níveis de preço de uma nova marca de produto sobre as dimensões da imagem de preço e a intenção de compra. Para testar as hipóteses propostas, empregou-se a técnica experimental com 326 amostras válidas. Esta pesquisa também investiga o efeito mediador entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra, utilizando como variáveis o valor percebido, a justiça percebida e a qualidade percebida, onde foram realizadas regressões lineares. Os resultados encontrados através dos experimentos denotam que as dimensões valor percebido, justiça percebida e as emoções positivas, são influenciadas pelos baixos níveis de preço. No entanto, as emoções negativas são mais fortemente manifestadas em altos níveis de preço, não havendo influência dos níveis de preço, no que se refere aos aspectos simbólicos de sua imagem. Quanto à qualidade percebida, houve somente um impacto significativo nos altos níveis de preço, sendo assim, a hipótese foi parcialmente confirmada, pois houve diferença significativa entre os dois extremos dos níveis de preço. Os achados relativos ao efeito mediador demonstram que o valor percebido e a justiça percebida mediam totalmente a relação entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra, para uma nova marca de produto, porém, a variável mediadora qualidade percebida não media a relação entre os níveis de preço e a intenção de compra. Baseado nisto, esta pesquisa amplia a compreensão sobre a construção da imagem de preço e o efeito dos níveis de preço de uma nova marca de produto sobre a imagem de preço. Desta forma, este estudo pode servir como um instrumento para que os pesquisadores, os estrategistas de marketing e as organizações possam compreender melhor como pode ser configurada a imagem de preço, junto aos consumidores, atuando como suporte na tomada de decisão das organizações, principalmente no que se refere ao gerenciamento de estratégias de precificação. / The image of price is formed by representations, impressions, beliefs and networks of meanings that are stored in the memory of individuals in a subjective, emotional context and in holistic way that are related to factors present in prices. However, studies on price image measure the cognitive dimension of its perception, where the price assumes a connotation beyond monetary value. Your image plays a role of process, of developing complex and holistic perceptions experienced by consumers. Thus, this research aims to analyze the effect of different levels of price of a brand new product on the image dimensions of price and purchase intent. To test the hypotheses, we used the experimental technique with 326 valid samples. This research also investigates the mediating effect between price levels and purchase intent, using variables such as the perceived value, perceived fairness and perceived quality, where linear regressions were performed. The results from the experiment shave shown that the dimensions perceived value, perceived justice and positive emotions are influenced by low price levels. However, negative emotions are more strongly expressed in high levels of price and in relation to the symbolic aspects of its image there is no influence of price levels. Regarding the perceived quality, there was only one significant impact on the high price levels, so the hypothesis was partially confirmed as there was a significant difference between the two extremes of price levels. Findings related to the mediating effect show that perceived value and perceived justice fully mediate the relationship between price levels and purchase intent for a brand new product, however, the mediator variable perceived quality does not mediate the relationship between price levels and purchase intent. Based on this, this research extends the understanding of image construction price and the effect of price levels of a brand new product on the price image. Thus, this study can serve as a tool for researchers, marketing strategists and organizations can better understand how it can be configured to image the price to consumers, acting as support in the decision making of organizations, especially regarding the management of pricing strategies.

M.A. / This study focuses on empirically determining the branding role that product labelling plays as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning within the food and beverage industry. This research topic was selected for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a general misconception of the definition of the term Integrated Marketing Communication. Secondly, there is also an emergence of the perception that labelling plays an important role as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning. Thirdly, there is also speculation regarding what this actual role is, that labelling plays within the Integrated Marketing Communication functioning. Fourthly, on closer investigation, it becomes evident that although there is a degree of literaturebased evidence that identifies the role that product labelling plays (within Integrated Marketing Communication), as that of branding, there is no empirical research to substantiate these claims. For these combined reasons there is a direct need for research into these issues. To facilitate the effective fulfilment of the research goals, there was a thorough examination of the theoretical literature available and the completion of an empirical study. Furthermore it was found that the examination of the branding role that product labelling plays as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning would be attainable if the research goal was restricted to a manageable field. To satisfy this aim, the study was focused on the food and beverage industry. The key terms of branding as well as Integrated Marketing Communication were investigated and defined. From the literature available, the branding role that product labelling plays as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning was examined and also defined. From this context it was found that ample evidence was available to conduct empirical research into this area. It became clear that the identification of the branding role that product labelling plays as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning within the food and beverage industry would rest upon the identification of the transmission of functional and non-functional attributes, consequences and values to consumers via verbal and visual images. The method best suited to identifying the transmission of these values was shown to be that of qualitative research. The proof of the transmission of these functions within the sample formed the focus of the empirical study. Ultimately this proof would illustrate the branding role of labelling. Within the context of the qualitative research, it was shown that the most appropriate approach to identify the transmission of functionality was through the use of the Means-end theory utilising the laddering technique. Within the context of the research document through the laddering technique, it also became apparent that there is a clear role that product labelling plays as a strategic element in Integrated Marketing Communication functioning within the food and beverage industry. It is also evident through literature-based and empirical evidence that this role is one ofbranding.

M.Com. (Industrial Psychology) / The current study investigated, by means of an experiment, the influence of incidental haptic sensations, encountered when completing self-report questionnaires, on formal ratings of an unestablished consumer brand. In total 128 university students (mean age = 20.16 years, males = 31.3%, females = 68.8%) participated in the study. Initially, all the participants completed a pretest self-report questionnaire on standard weighted paper (80gsm). A week later, the same participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups, where Group 1 (n=64) completed a post-test self-report questionnaire on firm paper, and Group 2 (n=64) completed a post-test self-report questionnaire on flimsy paper. The questionnaire scale comprised 30 sets of bipolar pairs of adjectives related to the language association of rigidity and strength. A robust Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed a statistical difference between groups for scores between 80 and 104 on the pre-test, while no effect was found for scores of 109 and upwards. Further support of the hypothesis was evident in kurtosis across groups (Group 1: kurtosis = 0.73 , Group 2: kurtosis = -0.03), which indicated that more participants in Group 1 ('Firm') had formed stronger judgements of the unestablished consumer brand than those in Group 2 ('Flimsy'). In conclusion, it appeared that a physically grounded mental framework, consistent with embodied cognition, had nonconsciously led participants to form stronger product judgements, of an unestablished consumer brand, when encountering an incidental, tactile experience of strength when completing self-report questionnaires in the consumer context.

M.Comm.

No description available.

This research aims to investigate the effect of word-of-mouth (WOM) on the purchase of genuine and counterfeit luxury brands with a focus on the roles of attitude functions, product type, valence of WOM, and brand popularity. It consists of two experimental studies. Study 1 examines the effect of WOM on the purchase of luxury brands and attempts to investigate the mediating role of attitude functions in the relationship between WOM and purchase intentions for luxury brands, with regard to different product types and valence of WOM. Study 2 compares the effects of WOM communications with traditional advertising on the purchase of counterfeit and genuine luxury brands. It also examines the differences between popular and non-popular luxury brands. Results reveal that social-adjustive and value-expressive functions fully mediate the effect of WOM on luxury brand evaluation while partially mediate the effect of product type on luxury brand evaluation. The effect of WOM on attitude functions is more pronounced for high (vs. low) susceptibility to interpersonal influence consumers. Findings of Study 2 support the moderating role of subjective norm in the self-monitoring and counterfeit luxury brand evaluation relationship, indicating that compared to advertising, WOM is a more effective way to decrease counterfeit luxury brand consumption. Managerial implications for strategic brand management and directions for future research are discussed.

The effect of involvement with program context has long been an imperative factor in understanding advertising processing. However, contradictory theses and inconsistent findings demand better clarifications. This thesis bridges a gap between the key constructs of program intensity and product involvement in terms of TV advertising effects with the consideration of antecedents of program involvement. Following the “Cognitive Efficacy principle, the Wyer-Srull model, Limited Capacity Model and ELM model has been adopted to examine the theoretical frameworks of contextual and serial TV advertising position effects. With the emphasis on the concept of involvement, both situational and enduring involvement has been contemplated to explore the theoretical framework of TV advertising message processing. With the unit of analysis set at the advertised brand level, a naturalistic field study has been conducted to examine program intensity induced involvement (situational), product involvement (enduring) and audiences’ intrinsic involvement (enduring) effects on live TV advertising utilizing twelve years of Super Bowl broadcasting content analysis and survey data. The results have indicated that the advertisements subsequent to high intensity TV program contents are more likely to be memorized, yet it is moderated by product involvement. In other words the scoring segments would tend to have a positive effect on low involvement products and negative effect on high involvement products in terms of viewers’ memory. Additionally, the same effect patterns have been revealed on both high involvement (Fans) and low involvement (Non-Fans) viewers. However, the pattern of impact has not been witnessed on viewers’ attitude. The results have also validated serial position effects. The findings have revealed the dynamics created by program intensity and its interaction with product involvement on advertisement effects. The outcome also provided an in-depth understanding of TV ads positions for practical implications