How Do Habits Influence Choices?

A study conducted at Duke University indicated that habits have a significant effect on the choices that people make. As much as 45 percent of the choices that a person makes on any given day might have more to do with habits than with making conscious decisions. Analyzing the habits of consumers has become increasingly common since the middle of the 20th century, with most types of major retailers and others using what is known as marketing analytics to assess the buying habits of consumers.

More facts about choices and habits:

• A 2011 study conducted at the University of Florida indicated that parents who drink are more likely to have children who drive while under the influence.


• A wide range of data goes into analyzing the spending habits of consumers and developing campaigns to capitalize on those buying habits. Information such as age, gender, income level and location are included in the data that is used to identify habits and evaluate the choices of buyers.


• Studies on the relationship between habits and choices don’t focus only on consumer activity. Similar connections have been noted in the treatment of emotional illnesses, such as depression, and various types of anxiety disorders.