Why expectations do or do not change after expectation violation: A comparison of seven models

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Behavioral Economics

Background:

• Individuals frequently encounter events that contradict their expectations.
• However, disconfirming evidence does not invariably result in altered expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze seven theoretical models explaining how individuals manage expectation disconfirmation.
• To identify common coping processes related to expectation persistence or change.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of seven key theoretical models.
• Analysis of proposed mechanisms for managing expectation-violating information.
• Comparative discussion of model similarities and differences.

Main Results:

• Three core coping processes were identified across the reviewed models: minimization of disconfirming evidence, active search for confirming evidence, and expectation change.
• Models differ in their emphasis on these processes and the conditions under which they operate.

Conclusions:

• Understanding these core processes is crucial for predicting and influencing belief and expectation dynamics.
• Further empirical research is needed to refine and test these theoretical models.