Consumer Behavior digs into why people buy stuff and how they make decisions. You'll explore psychological factors, social influences, and cultural aspects that shape purchasing habits. The course covers topics like perception, motivation, attitudes, and decision-making processes. You'll also learn about brand loyalty, consumer research methods, and how marketing strategies can influence buying behavior.

Is Consumer Behavior hard?

Most students find Consumer Behavior pretty manageable. It's not as math-heavy as some other marketing courses, which is a relief. The concepts are relatable since we're all consumers ourselves. That said, there's a fair amount of psychology and sociology to grasp, which can be challenging if those aren't your strong suits. The workload is usually moderate, with case studies and group projects being common.

Tips for taking Consumer Behavior in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Apply concepts to your own buying habits - it makes the material more relatable
Stay up-to-date with current marketing trends and campaigns
Practice analyzing real-world ads and marketing strategies
Form study groups to discuss case studies and share insights
Watch "The Century of the Self" documentary for a deep dive into consumer psychology
Read "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini for extra insights
Pay attention to your own decision-making process when shopping

Common pre-requisites for Consumer Behavior

Introduction to Marketing: This course covers basic marketing principles, including the 4Ps (product, price, place, promotion). It lays the foundation for understanding how businesses reach and engage consumers.
Introduction to Psychology: This class explores human behavior and mental processes. It provides a crucial background for understanding the psychological aspects of consumer decision-making.
Principles of Economics: This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts. It helps students understand how economic factors influence consumer choices and market dynamics.

Classes similar to Consumer Behavior

Marketing Research: This course focuses on gathering and analyzing data about consumers and markets. Students learn various research methods and how to interpret results to inform marketing strategies.
Advertising and Promotion: This class delves into creating and managing advertising campaigns. It covers message development, media selection, and measuring advertising effectiveness.
Digital Marketing: This course explores online marketing strategies and tools. Students learn about social media marketing, search engine optimization, and e-commerce tactics.
Brand Management: This class focuses on building and maintaining strong brands. It covers brand positioning, brand equity, and strategies for brand growth and loyalty.

Marketing: Focuses on creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers. Students learn various aspects of promotion, pricing, and distribution strategies.
Psychology: Explores human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. Students study various psychological theories and research methods applicable to understanding consumer behavior.
Sociology: Examines human social relationships and institutions. Students learn about group dynamics, cultural influences, and social trends that impact consumer choices.
Business Administration: Provides a broad understanding of business operations. Students learn about management, finance, and marketing, with consumer behavior being a crucial component.

What can you do with a degree in Consumer Behavior?

Market Research Analyst: Gathers and analyzes data on consumer preferences and market trends. They help companies understand their target audience and make informed marketing decisions.
Brand Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies for specific brands. They oversee product development, pricing, and promotional activities to build brand loyalty and increase sales.
Advertising Account Executive: Acts as a liaison between clients and advertising agencies. They help develop advertising campaigns that effectively target and persuade consumers based on behavioral insights.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Creates intuitive and enjoyable digital experiences for users. They apply consumer behavior principles to design websites, apps, and other digital products that meet user needs and preferences.