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Reconsidering the Relation between Regret and Responsibility
Zeelenberg1, van Dijk WW, Manstead
1Tilburg University, The Netherlands
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
|December 16, 1998
Summary
This study reveals that directly measuring regret, not general happiness, shows decision agency impacts outcomes. People feel more regret when outcomes stem from their choices versus computer assignments.
Area of Science:
- Decision Science
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Previous research suggested regret is influenced by perceived responsibility for outcomes.
- Connolly, Ordóñez, and Coughlan (1997) found no effect of decision agency on regret.
- Their regret measure was a general happiness assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate why Connolly et al. found no effect of decision agency on regret.
- To determine if direct regret measurement reveals effects of decision agency.
- To explore the role of disappointment in decision outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Replicated the experimental design of Connolly et al. (1997).
- Manipulated decision agency (personal choice vs. computer assignment).
- Measured regret using both a general happiness assessment and a direct regret scale, alongside disappointment.
Main Results:
- Replicated the null-effect of decision agency on the general happiness assessment.
- Found significant effects of decision agency on directly measured regret.
- Observed that disappointment was higher for computer-assigned outcomes than for self-chosen outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Directly measuring regret, not general happiness, is crucial for understanding its link to decision agency.
- Decision agency influences regret, contrary to previous findings using indirect measures.
- Disappointment may play a distinct role, potentially increasing when outcomes are externally controlled.