Sorting and filtering as effective rational choice procedures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that sorting and filtering functionalities in online shopping can be rationally used by consumers to efficiently identify their most preferred options, based on a logical structure of preferences.

Contribution

It characterizes the preferences expressible through sorting and filtering, revealing their simple and intuitive logical structure, and shows their effectiveness as rational choice procedures.

Findings

Sorting and filtering can be used to find most preferred choices efficiently.

Preferences expressed through filtering and sorting have a simple logical structure.

These procedures are effective for rational decision-making in online shopping.

Abstract

Many online shops offer functionality that help their customers navigate the available alternatives. For instance, options to filter and to sort goods are wide-spread. In this paper we show that sorting and filtering can be used by rational consumers to find their most preferred choice -- quickly. We characterize the preferences which can be expressed through filtering and sorting and show that these preferences exhibit a simple and intuitive logical structure.