Survey data on owner-reported car problems: how useful to prospective purchasers of used cars?

Article Abstract:

This study assesses the predictive validity of aggregate frequency data yielded by Consumer Reports' annual surveys of problems experienced by owners of used cars. For cars representing each of five model years (1975-1979), bivariate and multivariate correlational techniques were used to analyze the data of six annual surveys. The data report owner problems experienced in 15 to 17 individual categories as well as an overall category. The study findings indicate that each year's reported frequencies of problems are highly predictive of next year's, both for the overall and individual categories. Predictability was found to differ significantly by individual problem category and by the recency of the survey data. Policy implications of the findings are discussed for consumer magazines, such as Consumer Reports, and for consumer educators and consumer researchers. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Consumer protection, Used cars, Used automobiles

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Preschoolers' learning of brand names from visual cues

Article Abstract:

This research addresses the question of how perceptual cues affect preschoolers' learning of brand names. It is found that when visual cues are provided in addition to brand names that are prior-associated in children's memory structures, children better remember the brand names. Although two cues (a picture and a color) improve memory over the imposition of a single cue, extensive visual cues may overtax young children's processing abilities. The study contributes to our understanding of how visual cues increase the effectiveness of nonverbal communication. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Cognition in children, Cognitive development, Children as consumers, Child consumers, Visual learning

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The changing language of a consumer society: brand name usage in popular American novels in the postwar era

Article Abstract:

The effect of commercial practices on U.S. popular language is studied through the examination of the use of brand names and generic names in the texts of selected best-selling U.S. novels since World War II. The results support the claims that commercials are influencing popular language use in the U.S. Also documented is a promotional practice referred to as 'word-of-author advertising' that may or may not be sponsored by the advertiser but which is likely to be of concern to consumers, consumer advocates, marketers and researchers because of its potential influence on consumers.

Analysis, Advertising, Language and languages, Sociolinguistics, Fiction

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