Research in decision making often assumes that corresponding dimension
s or features of choices are compared. At the same time, recent models
of similarity comparison stress the importance of structural alignmen
t and associated inference processes. The present studies integrate th
ese perspectives by examining feature listings and choices for pairs o
f video games varying in their comparability. In the first study, one
group of participants simply compared pairs of games and Listed common
alities and differences. Another group made selections between games a
nd provided justifications for their decisions. We observed close corr
espondences between justifications and feature listings across wide va
riation in comparability. In addition, the justifications systematical
ly favored comparable over noncomparable properties. Features also see
med to be created or inferred to promote alignability. The second stud
y manipulated the comparability of individual properties. Here, justif
ications were more likely to include a property when it was comparable
than when it was noncomparable. These observations suggest a construc
tive alignment process common to similarity and choice. (C) 1995 Acade
mic Press, inc.