ON THE PURSUIT AND MISUSE OF USELESS INFORMATION

Decision makers often pursue noninstrumental information-information t hat appears relevant but, if simply available, would have no impact on choice. Once they pursue such information, people then use it to make their decision. Consequently, the pursuit of information that would h ave had no impact on choice leads people to make choices they would no t otherwise have made. The pursuit of noninstrumental information is d ocumented and its effects on ensuing decisions are explored in a varie ty of social, consumer, and strategic situations. The causes and impli cations of this pattern are discussed.