The Art and Science of Guessing

Emotion, 2011

7 Pages Posted: 14 Apr 2016

See all articles by Luxi Shen

Luxi Shen

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Christopher K. Hsee

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Jiao Zhang

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Xianchi DAI

Independent

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

This research examined how one affectively reacts to others’ guesses at a value one cares about, such as one’s income. Conventional wisdom suggests that people will feel happier upon receiving more favorable guesses (e.g., higher income) than less favorable guesses. We found the opposite pattern. We propose a model to explain the effect and identify its boundaries and report experimental evidence for the model. This research enriches existing literature on self-enhancement and yields practical implications for how to approach guessing in interpersonal communications.

Keywords: judgement and decision making, affect, happiness, self-enhancement, interpersonal communication, contrast and assimilation

Suggested Citation

Shen, Luxi and Hsee, Christopher K. and Zhang, Jiao and DAI, Xianchi, The Art and Science of Guessing (2011). Emotion, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2763579

Luxi Shen (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Christopher K. Hsee

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Jiao Zhang

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Xianchi DAI

Independent

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