Relational contexts and sunk cost
Abstract
The present study examines the connection between relational contexts and the likelihood of engaging in sunk cost. Two hundred thirty-one undergraduate students participated in an online survey asking them to make a sunk cost decision under one of three relationship conditions: self, close other, and unknown other. The results showed that participants were more likely to engage in sunk costs when making decisions for themselves and close others than they were when making decisions for unknown others.