Consumer Behavior Research: Theoretical and Methodological Paradigms Trending

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to become a guide for future research agenda that allows researchers in marketing and other disciplines to find a way to drive research studies in consumer behavior. The text provides an interpretative analysis of the latest editorials, reviews and research articles published in top-tier consumer research journals. Journals such as the International Journal of Consumer Studies, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Consumer Behavior, Journal of Consumer Culture, Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of Consumer Research, and Psychology & Marketing among others were selected to offer a broad view of the challenges and research opportunities in this growing research area. Analyzed papers have been grouped by common topics into five theoretical streams (homoeconomicus, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic) and two methodological perspectives (positivist, interpretive). Results suggest strong affinity in recent papers to cognitive-humanistic-interpretive research focus, with online consumer behavior, transformative and culture consumer behavior and green consumption as main and commonly treated topics. Conclusions and future perspectives on consumer behavior research are, also presented.