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Question

Generally, consumers undertake complex buying behaviour in situations characterized by which one of the followings ?

This question was previously asked in
UGC NET 2025 Management Question Paper (07-Jan-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

High involvement in purchase and significance perceived difference among brands

 High involvement together with significant perceived differences between brands — option 3.

The framework. Henry Assael classified buying behaviour on two dimensions — the degree of buyer involvement and the extent of perceived differences among brands — giving four types, and each of the four options in this question is one cell of that table :

 Significant differences between brandsFew differences between brands
High involvementComplex buying behaviourDissonance-reducing buying behaviour
Low involvementVariety-seeking buying behaviourHabitual buying behaviour

Why complex behaviour needs both conditions. Involvement is high when the purchase is expensive, risky, infrequent and self-expressive — a car, a house, a computer. If the brands also differ substantially, the buyer cannot simply pick one: he must learn about the category, develop beliefs, form attitudes, and then make a considered choice. That learn-feel-do sequence is what “complex” names.

TypeExampleWhat the marketer should do
ComplexCar, laptop, houseProvide detailed information; help the buyer learn the attributes and evaluate them; use print and expert reviews
Dissonance-reducingCarpet, cement — costly but brands seem alikeBuy first, evaluate later; supply after-sales communication to reassure the buyer he chose well
Variety-seekingBiscuits, snacksThe leader fills shelf space and advertises reminders; the challenger offers samples, free trials and lower prices
HabitualSalt, sugarRepetition, familiarity and easy availability — brand belief follows purchase, not the reverse

The point of the classification. It tells the marketer where the decision is actually made. Where behaviour is complex, effort belongs in information and persuasion before purchase; where it is habitual, it belongs in distribution and reminder advertising; where dissonance is the risk, it belongs after the sale.

Hence, the answer is high involvement in purchase and significant perceived difference among brands.

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  2. Which one of the following can be legally protected ?

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