Sophia D. Min’s research while affiliated with University of New Hampshire and other places

Past research suggests that cost‐saving behaviors such as couponing can trigger negative trait perceptions (e.g. that the consumer is being miserly), and consumers purchasing gifts may avoid use of coupons so as not to appear ungenerous. In contrast, we contend that cost‐saving can also send a positive signal. In five studies we show that cost‐saving enhances perceptions of consumer competence and financial management skills, which, in turn, can lead to more favorable brand perceptions. Using costly signaling theory, we further identify two boundary conditions for these signals to be perceived as genuine: (a) absence of ulterior motives (e.g., sponsored social media posts that diminish the authenticity of the signal) and (b) the presence of the quality being signaled (as higher‐class consumers are typically seen as competent). Our findings extend the scope of signaling theory to consumer behavior contexts, showing that costly signals must honestly convey positive qualities.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of three coping strategies (i.e. active, expressive, and denial coping) in the relationships between service failures (i.e. high- and low-contact service failures) and negative behavioral intentions (i.e. switching intention). Design/methodology/approach The critical incident technique (CIT) was used to identify the conceptually categorized service failure types in the fitness industry, and then confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed to examine the mediating effect of coping strategies among high-contact service failure and switching intention (study 1) and the mediating effect of coping strategies among low-contact service failure and switching intention (study 2). Findings While the mediating effect of coping strategies was significant in the relationship between high-contact service failures (study 1) and negative behaviors (i.e. switching intention and complaints), it was not significant in the relationship between low-contact service failures (study 2) and switching intention. Out of the three coping strategies, the impact of active coping was significant. Originality/value This study extends the understanding of the mediating effect of coping strategies in the relation between high- and low-contact service failures and switching intention.

Educational podcasts have become an increasingly prevalent media used to disseminate profession‐specific information through easily accessible means. Despite the potential of educational podcasts as convenient and effective medium, there is a dearth of literature dedicated to the topic. Thus, using the Uses and Gratification framework, the psychometric properties of the Educational Podcasts Motivation Scale were examined, as well as the motivational factors that influence intention to listen to educational podcasts and recommend podcasts to others were explored. A sample of individuals in the field of education (n = 606), such as in‐service K‐12 teachers and higher education professors, were recruited for this study. This sample were randomly divided, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the first set (n = 312) to identify underlying constructs, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed with the second set (n = 294). The scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and five distinct motivational factors were identified: Information Gathering, Flexibility in Use, Social Interaction, Entertainment, and Professional Encouragement. Several motivational factors had significant associations with the constructs of “intention” and “word‐of‐mouth”. This paper demonstrates both the unique motivational factors related to listening to educational podcasts and the motivational factors that overlap with other forms of media. Further examination of the underlying motivations to listen to educational podcasts is warranted. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic Educational podcasts have become an increasingly prevalent media used to disseminate information to specific professions and fields that provide current practices and research information through easily accessible means. Educational podcasts have been found to be an effective tool to improve self‐efficacy and knowledge around topics with educators and college students, as well as a means to develop communities of practice where educators share knowledge and experiences. Results of studies using the uses and gratifications framework to examine the gratifications for listening to podcasts have found an array of overlapping, and sometimes conflicting, gratifications from the use of podcasts. Those most often identified include entertainment, multitasking and convenience, social interaction, escapism and educational purposes. What this paper adds This paper outlined the development of the Educational Podcasts Motivation Scale and used an exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to demonstrate its strong psychometric properties. Five distinct motivational factors for why educators engage with educational podcasts were identified: (a) Information Gathering, (b) Flexibility in Use, (c) Social Interaction, (d) Entertainment and (e) Professional Encouragement. This paper identifies that educators are often most motivated to listen to educational podcasts due to constructs such as social interaction, flexibility in use and information gathering. Implications for practice and/or policy The findings in this paper demonstrate the perceived benefits and uses of educational podcasts as a learning tool, further establishing educational podcasts as a useful tool that should be incorporated into learning environments. The findings in this paper indicate that those embedding educational podcasts within learning activities and professional development should consider how to emphasise the flexibility, social interactions and learning aspects of these tools to promote the attractive features of this tool. Although this study sheds light on the reasons those in the field of education use this medium, additional research is needed to explore how and why these individuals engage with educational podcasts.

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the interrelationships between push and pull factors associated with the consumption of women’s professional basketball games. Multiple factors pertaining to sport consumers’ internal needs, identified as “push” factors, contain various intangible socio-psychological motivations representing an individual’s intrinsic desires that drive consumers toward certain goal-driven behaviors. On the other hand, “pull” factors, related to the supply side, refer to the different aspects of sport products the management of sport teams provides. It is imperative to obtain a better understanding of the push–pull interaction so that sport marketers can design their products to satisfy spectators’ expectations with different needs. Spectators (N = 628) attending WNBA games responded to an on-site survey. CFA was conducted to ensure the psychometric properties of the scales, which showed that the overall model fit the data well. A canonical correlation analysis was performed, and two significant functions were revealed by the dimension reduction analysis. The first function [F(40,2,683) = 4.49, p < 0.001]: I-Want-Everything-Consumer suggests that the market segment comprises individuals with multiple needs (ranged from 0.55 to 0.85) and expectations (ranged from 0.55 to 0.89), both of which need to be met simultaneously. Thus, sports marketers can satisfy WNBA consumers’ needs by enhancing the quality of tangible pull factors. The second function [F(28,2,222) = 2.38, p < 0.001]: Achievement-Seekers revealed that the consumers motivated by vicarious achievement (–0.59) expect game promotion (–0.55) rather than the quality of the opposing team (0.42), indicating that sport marketers should provide tailored promotional strategies to satisfy this segment of consumers. Specifically, the findings of this study can be used to segment consumers based upon fan motives (i.e., push factors) and position products accordingly by managing the controllable aspects of sport products (i.e., pull factors). This study provides empirical evidence of the relationship between WNBA consumers’ multiple needs and attributes associated with the WNBA core product.

The academic and practical sides of the sport industry have exhibited different preferences for measurement tools. Practitioners tend to adopt concise instruments that are economical to administer. However, many practice-oriented studies are often viewed by academics as deficient in scientific rigor. These different preferences for scale development and usage have created the so-called "academic-practitioner divide." Following the earlier initiative to bridge this division, this present study developed the General Parsimonious Scale (GPS) to assess four components of sport events that can affect consumers' game attendance decision. An extensive literature review made it possible to select a small set of indicators measuring four dimensions of sport events without suffering theoretical rigor. The GPS indicates appropriate psychometric properties and exhibits appropriate explanatory ability, providing both academics and practitioners with a reliable and concise instrument that can be applied to measure different components of sport events.