In prospect theory, the pseudocertainty effect is the tendency for people to perceive an outcome as certain while it is actually uncertain. It can be observed in multi-stage decision making, in which evaluation of the certainty of the outcome in a previous stage of decisions is disregarded when selecting an option in subsequent stages.
Research has demonstrated that humans have a tendency to believe that we have more control over future events than we really do, and that the future is more predictable than it really is. From this perspective, the elimination of one particular risk offers an “illusion of control“ which many people find appealing, hence the term “pseudo-“ or false certainty.
When it comes communicating with shoppers and consumers, remember, that they will have a tendency to emphasise the positive over the negative. We really do look for the good in everyone.
- Emphasise the risk – When you want shoppers to make a choice and you want them to take a risk, you emphasise the negative consequences.
- Emphasise the positive – When you want shoppers to take a guaranteed path that may be incomplete, you emphasise the positive.
- Pause and reflect - Whenever you present shoppers with a choice you should ask yourself whether it is better phrased positively or negatively.
Basically, by phrasing a choice differently, you can guide people into making the choice you want them to. If you find that your choice flips with the phrasing, then this bias is in play and you need to think things through more carefully.
