The Quasi-Acceleration Relation: Satisfaction as a Function of the Change of Velocity of Outcome Over Time

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 30, pp. 96-111, 1994

16 Pages Posted: 23 May 2008

See all articles by Christopher K. Hsee

Christopher K. Hsee

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Peter Salovey

Yale University - Institution for Social and Policy Studies

Robert P. Abelson

Yale University

Abstract

Satisfaction with a dynamic outcome is positively related to its value, the change in the value, and the rate of change. Proposed in this article is another outcome-satisfaction relation: Satisfaction is positively related to the change in the rate, or quasi-acceleration (QA). We tested this proposition (a) in a direct comparison paradigm where Ss compared pairs of hypothetical academic or investment values of different QAs unfolding graphically on the computer (Experiment 1) and (b) in a between subject paradigm where Ss in different QA conditions indicated moment-to-moment feelings about a hypothetical investment value changing numerically on the computer (Experiment 2). In support of the QA relation, Ss in both experiments indicated greater satisfaction the more positive the QA. Limitations of the present research and implications for a relative and temporal perspective on outcome-satisfaction relations are discussed.

Keywords: velocity, temporal choice

JEL Classification: D81, D11, D12, D91

Suggested Citation

Hsee, Christopher K. and Salovey, Peter and Abelson, Robert P., The Quasi-Acceleration Relation: Satisfaction as a Function of the Change of Velocity of Outcome Over Time. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 30, pp. 96-111, 1994 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1134423

Christopher K. Hsee (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Peter Salovey

Yale University - Institution for Social and Policy Studies ( email )

89 Trumbull Street
New Haven, CT 06515
United States

Robert P. Abelson

Yale University

493 College St
New Haven, CT CT 06520
United States

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