Consumer Profiles: An Introduction to Psychographics (Consumer Research and Policy)

Psychographics have been developed in the field of market research as a way to relate consumer behaviour to market choice. In analysing the personality values and life-style characteristics of consumers, researchers attempt to label and predict certain patterns of buying behaviour. Such 'psychological' segmentation of the market can provide important information about patterns of buying which is directly relevant to marketing strategists whether they are planning a marketing campaign or developing new products.This book introduces the essential elements of psychographics. It shows how researchers go about defining consumer profiles and designing successful research programmes. It looks at the way they are applied in various consumer groups including the elderly and the women's market. It uses case study material to focus on some specific products from cameras to pet food. It also provides a comprehensive review of the current literature and a critique of the field, assessing how far researchers can rely on the consumer traits they have identified and discussing the controversies that arise as personalities and life-styles are classified.