Deceptive packaging: Are the deceivers being deceived?

Abstract

To investigate the effects of deceptive packaging, sample packages of potato chips containing various amounts were distributed to consumers who purchased a regular pack of the same brand. The only difference between the sample and the purchased pack was in terms of quantity of chips with the sample packs having various deficits. Preference data were obtained via a follow-up interview. The analyses of the questionnaire data indicated that: (a) consumers did not perceive weight differences between packs, (b) all indices of consumer preference favored the free pack when the two were of equal weight, and (c) all indices showed a marked decrease in preference for the experimental pack as the contents of the experimental packs were decreased. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)