• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.30 no.6 s.154
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• pp.961-970
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• 2006

This study attempted to understand post-purchase consumer return experiences which had not received much attention in consumer behavior research. As a first step to understand return experiences from consumers' viewpoint, the study took an exploratory approach and identified themes and patterns from subjective consumer experiences. Whenever possible, attribution theory was applied to interpret the identified patterns. A total of 99 cases were collected from an open-ended questionnaire and analyzed based on a qualitative method. The reasons of product return was classified into five groups: changing mind; product defects; unsuitable products; products not expected; and for a better deal. External attribution was observed for return decisions caused by consumers' changed mind as well as by product defects. Dissatisfaction with defected products seemed to be intensified or reduced by service failure or success in the post-purchase service encounter. Consumer expectation and situations seemed to affect this process. Overall, the study supported attribution theory in the post-purchase return experience, and insights for research questions were proposed.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.89-108
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• 2018

This paper aims to explore the analysis of the meanings and processes of reading online consumer reviews and to construct a substantive theory that explains the process involved with the phenomenon of reading consumer reviews. In order to explore the phenomenon, this study employs a qualitative methodology. Following the grounded theory perspective, the researcher conducted interviews with 17 participants, who have subsequently shopped online and utilized online consumer reviews for shopping, and decidedly employed in-depth interviews with those participants. Through coding and making constant comparison, several themes emerged: improving confidence, trusting reviews, getting a sense of who reviewers are, seeking balance, processing and handling negative reviews, experiencing vicariously, increasing searchability, getting a sense of who they are in terms of similarity, and seeking benefits and the usage situations from consumer based reviews. Among the emerging themes, improving confidence can be considered a core category, which is influenced by the analysis of trusting reviews and the consumer vicarious experiences with a product. Moreover, this study discusses the relationships among the themes. This study concludes with a discussion of the results, implications, and limitations.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.230-240
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• 2009

This study proposes a theory of consumer experiences based on a cognitive science framework that serves as an alternative to the mainstream marketing paradigm of information processing and choice. The theory consists of three key theoretical constructs: experiential modules, primary vs. secondary experiences, and the hierarchy of experiential modules. Based on this theory, this study investigates the effect of experiential attributes and functional attributes on consumer's product evaluations, and the moderating role of consumer's knowledge. The main research findings are (1) the subjects react faster to sensory and affective stimuli(ex: experiential attributes) than they do to intellectual stimuli (ex: functional attributes), (2) the interaction modularity of attributes(functional vs. experiential) $\times$ tempo(normal vs. fast) $\times$ product knowledge(novice vs. expert) appear significantly with product evaluation as the dependent measure.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.260-286
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• 2024

This study investigates consumer experiences and word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions in luxury brand pop-up stores, including standalone and department store setups. Grounded in experience economy theory, this study examines the experiential elements based on the types of pop-up stores and the relationships among consumer experience, pop-up store image, and WOM intentions for each type. Data were collected from 300 visitors to luxury brand pop-up stores between January and July 2023 and analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0. The findings reveal several key insights. First, standalone pop-up stores offer educational and escapist experiences, while pop-ups within department stores have a single identified factor of consumer experience. Second, regardless of the store type, luxury pop-up store experiences significantly influence pop-up image perceptions. Third, luxury pop-up store image drives WOM intentions for both standalone and department store pop-ups. Notably, the unique image significantly impacts solely department store pop-ups and does not influence standalone pop-ups. Moreover, image perceptions in both pop-up store types do not significantly affect brand WOM intentions. Finally, WOM intentions for pop-up stores significantly influence WOM intentions for brands. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of consumer experiences in luxury pop-up stores, providing practical insights for stakeholders in the luxury brand industry to enhance pop-up store image perceptions and WOM intentions.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2008

Service-Learning pedagogy includes community service and reflection as main components. Students can learn integration and application of knowledge beyond specific fields through experiences and reflection. The purpose of family and Consumer Sciences Education is related to connect theory and practice to improve individual, family, and community life. The curriculum focuses not only on content mastery in subjects, but also application of that knowledge to the real lives of students. Considering the purpose of service-learning as integration and application of knowledge, service- learning pedagogy can contribute to rethink family and Consumer Sciences Education. Reflection as a key component is examined for service-learning pedagogy. Exploring a deeper meaning of reflection in aspects of community connection, critical thinking, and transformative learning would extend the value of it and provide implications for implementing reflection in service-learning pedagogy in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.11-23
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• 2012

This qualitative study attempts to analyze the separation experiences of wild geese families from a social exchange perspective. The participants of this study were 16 mothers who lived apart from their partners for the purpose of educating their offspring. To collect data, in-depth interviews were conducted with the mothers about the decision-making process and the separation experiences. The results showed that there was a unique educational factor in Korea that affected wild geese families' decision on family separation. Geese families had to face psychological inconvenience caused by negative eyes from society. In addition, the fathers suffered loneliness and had difficulties in doing household chores, and the mothers experienced an overload of child parenting. On the other hand, emotional relationship between the husband and wife was enhanced, and the friendly relationship between a mother and her children was built. The biggest reward from the wild geese families turned out to be the educational achievement of their children.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.497-511
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• 2013

This study aimed to examine Korean men's experiences of work-family balance in dual income families with children under six years of age. We focused on identifying the difficulty of balancing work and family considering their individual, social, and cultural conditions. The method was a qualitative study involving two in-depth interviews with each of 12 men, and analyzing the data through the grounded theory approach. From the results, a model of men's work-family experience was constructed. It demonstrates the central phenomena (difficulties of balancing), the causal conditions (lacking time for family, seeking support from the employer, and learning husband's roles insufficiently), the contextual conditions (remaining paternalism and changing husband's roles), the intervening conditions (workplace, childcare support, and wife characteristics), and strategies (help from relatives, utilizing daycare centers, controlling birth, managing work conditions, and using family polices). We clarify the overall picture of working and family life experiences, and also show how men deal with their problems in their circumstances by balancing working and family life. In conclusion, males have difficulty participating in family life autonomously because of having less decision-making power than the wife. Moreover, the great responsibilities of the breadwinner disturb the work-family balance. Men devote themselves to working to hold a job instead of spending time with their family. However, they ultimately value work-family balance with respect to 'keeping a peaceful family life'.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.77-86
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigates the psychological mechanisms of comparison within the design context of retail stores, products, and advertising. The research aims to expand the understanding of comparison psychology, encompassing social, cognitive, perceptual, and self-comparisons and their application in design practices. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: The study employs a comprehensive review of psychological theories related to comparison psychology. They were selected through extensive research on literature pertaining to design psychology and consumer behavior. The research integrates insights from psychology, marketing, consumer behavior, and design theory, supported by various design examples of retail stores, products, and advertising, to demonstrate the practical applications. Results: The findings reveal that comparison psychology significantly impacts consumer preferences and user experiences. For instance, the assimilation effect and prospect theory highlight how comparisons shape value judgments and design perceptions. Practical examples are used to illustrate the profound influence of comparative judgments in design. Conclusion: The study advocates for a "psychologically-informed approach" to design, promoting designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound but also psychologically aligned. By bridging the gap between psychological theories and practical design implementations, the research provides valuable insights for designers, marketers, and psychologists, enhancing the psychological efficacy of design.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.795-807
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• 2019

This qualitative study delves into consumers' meanings, perceptions, and behaviors toward the anthropomorphism of fashion goods based on personal experiences. Previous studies focused on consumer responses to the marketer-driven anthropomorphism of products, messages, and brands; however, the present study examines consumers' spontaneous anthropomorphism focusing on personal meanings as a possessor and meanings in their social relationships. A qualitative methodology is adopted that involves in-depth interviews with eleven males and females in their 20s and 30s. Participants stated that were engaged in the anthropomorphic practice of fashion goods on a daily basis. Data analysis was based on grounded theory. Findings on consumer-driven anthropomorphism are discussed at personal and interpersonal levels. At the personal level, anthropomorphic objects are their companions that are often called "baby." Interestingly, anthropomorphism reduces the stigmas of materialism from the participants' side. At the interpersonal level, anthropomorphic practice is a ritual of sharing a common interest and assuring intimacy. Implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.1-17
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• 2020

This study investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of potential consumers toward using 3D printers to create their personal clothes. An online survey and a series of Welch's t-tests and ANOVA were conducted to investigate the differences in demographic characteristics, prior experiences in 3D printing, and levels of need for uniqueness among the sub-groups. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to test the relationships among variables of the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). There were significant differences in gender and prior experiences regarding the UTAUT of personal 3D printing. The need for uniqueness has a positive effect on consumers' intention to use 3D printing technology for designing personal clothes and perception of the price of the 3D printer used to create individual clothes is important. Positive relationships were found between UTAUT variables as well as the use and purchase intentions. This study analyzed the potential for popularization of 3D printing technology to create fashion items and explore consumer willingness to embrace and use personal fashion designs. The results of this study are expected to assist consumers, designers, retailers and marketers, and experts in 3D printing technology by providing insight into consumer awareness and acceptance of personalized 3D-printed fashion and products.