How Do Users Cope with Trial Restrictions? A Longitudinal Field Experiment on Free Trial Software
نویسندگان
چکیده
Software vendors often provide software for free download but with restrictions (e.g., time and/or functionality restrictions). The question arises as to what extent the restrictions should be set to induce users to procure the full version. This study seeks to answer this question through two perspectives: expectation-disconfirmation and coping behavior. Based on these perspectives, a research model of user’s coping reactions toward software restrictions is built. Subsequently, a longitudinal field experiment is conducted to verify the hypotheses. Results show that negative disconfirmation on time/functionality restriction positively/negatively influence the adoption of rational thinking strategy, which in turn positively influence the level of action coping. As a result, the degree to which action coping strategy is exploited positively influences the user’s willingness to pay. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
منابع مشابه
A Psychological Reactance Perspective on Time and Functionality Restrictions of Free Trial Software: Are You Willing to Evaluate the Software?
In order not to cannibalize the sale of software, software firms often place restrictive interventions on the usage of the free trial software (FTS). The two most commonly adopted approaches are time and functionality restrictions. Building on psychological reactance theory and expectationdisconfirmation theory, this study seeks to investigate the influence of time and functionality restriction...
متن کاملThe Conflict Between Absorption and Self-Control in Playing Computer Games: How Do Free Trial Restrictions Influence Playing Experience and Purchase Decision Making
Computer games are enduringly favorite to adolescents and appear more and more popular with adults. However, little is known about a special form of computer game software, the free trial version, and the effects of trial restrictions on player behavior and decision making. To address the impacts of free trial restrictions, this study develops a research model based on the opponent-process theo...
متن کاملAssessment of Ability of User Education in Medical Records Module of Selected HIS in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Introduction: Hospital managers and service providers need to Hospital Information System (HIS) to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization its goals. The basis for decision making, policymaking and planning at different levels of hospital management (including executive management, and clinical services) is detailed, accurate, timely and reliable information, and its inter...
متن کاملAn Introduction to the Field Trials Methodology
The knowledge related to the methodology of the field trial study as a type of intervention studies, yet for many of our researchers is not fully understood. The aim of the current study was a better understanding of conducting this type of research. Field trial studies are done on healthy individuals and aim to prevent. These types of studies such as clinical trials are performed on both i...
متن کاملFree Trial or No Free Trial: Optimal Software Product Design with Network Externalities
Software free trial is a common practice that has both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it helps firms to exploit the positive network externalities by building up the total user base; on the other hand, it cannibalizes partial demand for the commercial software. The objective of my dissertation is to determine the conditions under which the firms should introduce the free trial ...
متن کامل