Brain & Decision-Making
What is “impulse control” in everyday words?
The ability to pause and think before acting or buying.
In middle school, brands often function as a symbol of what?
Identity (who you are / who you want to be).
What is peer pressure in consumer life?
A: Feeling pushed to buy/spend to match friends or avoid embarrassment.
What is emotional spending?
A: Spending driven by feelings (stress, excitement, sadness), not planned needs.
What is a “limited-time offer”?
A: A deal that seems to expire soon to push quick decisions.
Q: Which brain area helps with planning and self-control and keeps developing into the mid-20s?
A: The prefrontal cortex.
What’s one way someone might use a purchase to “fit in”?
Buying a popular shoe/clothing brand because friends have it.
Q: What does FOMO stand for?
A: Fear of Missing Out.
Q: Name one emotion advertisers often try to trigger to increase buying.
A: Excitement, insecurity, happiness, fear, pride (any valid one).
Q: What is “social proof” in marketing?
A: Seeing others like/buy something makes you trust it more.
Why do teens sometimes make decisions faster than they think them through?
A: The emotional/reward systems can override the still-developing control system.
Why do companies use slogans and logos consistently?
To build recognition and trust through brand consistency.
Q: How does social media increase consumer pressure?
A: Constant comparisons, trends, and “everyone has it” content.
Q: Why do “before and after” ads work psychologically?
A: They create a problem feeling, then promise relief/confidence after buying.
Q: Why do countdown timers increase sales?
A: They create urgency and FOMO.
Q: What’s one reason “sleep” can affect consumer choices?
A: Less sleep lowers self-control, making impulse decisions more likely.
How can a brand “promise” a feeling without saying it directly?
Through images/music/influencers that suggest confidence, status, or belonging.
Q: Why do influencer ads work well on teens?
A: Influencers feel relatable, and social proof makes products seem “trusted.”
Q: How can boredom lead to spending?
A: People buy for stimulation/entertainment, not because they need it.
Q: What is one reason “sales” can be misleading?
A: Original prices may be inflated; the deal may not be real savings.
Explain why “thinking ahead” is harder during adolescence than adulthood.
Long-term planning skills are still developing, so short-term rewards can feel stronger.
Give one example of a purchase that’s more about identity than need.
Example: something that is limited edition
Q: What is an “echo chamber,” and how can it affect consumer choices?
A: When you only see similar opinions/trends, making you think one option is “the only” option.
Q: Explain how emotions can override logic in purchasing decisions.
A: Feelings create urgency or comfort-seeking, and logic gets skipped.
Name two strategies a smart consumer can use to avoid manipulation.
Wait 24 hours, compare prices, set a budget, read reviews, ask “need vs want,” avoid impulse buys.