On the mathematics of the free-choice paradigm

TL;DR

This paper discusses the logical issues in free-choice experiments, introduces a method for correct implementation without control groups, and advances the understanding of choice-induced attitude change measurement.

Contribution

It presents a new method for conducting free-choice experiments accurately without relying on control groups, addressing previous logical flaws.

Findings

Identified logical flaws in past free-choice experiments

Proposed a novel method for experiment design without control groups

Enhances validity of choice-induced attitude change measurement

Abstract

Chen and Risen pointed out a logical flaw affecting the conclusions of a number of past experiments that used the free-choice paradigm to measure choice-induced attitude change. They went on to design and implement a free-choice experiment that used a novel type of control group in order to avoid this logical pitfall. In this paper, we describe a method by which a free-choice experiment can be correctly conducted even without a control group.