American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

In the consumer decision-making process, the step that follows need recognition is information gathering. Once a consumer identifies a need or a problem that requires a solution, the next logical step is to gather relevant information. This involves searching for data about various products or services that could fulfill the identified need.

During the information gathering phase, consumers may seek information from various sources, such as online reviews, recommendations from friends and family, advertisements, or even in-store demonstrations. The goal of this step is to become informed about the available options, compare features, prices, and quality, and ultimately narrow down the choices to make an informed decision.

This step is critical because the quality and breadth of information gathered can significantly influence the consumer's eventual choice. It lays the groundwork for evaluating choices, which follows after gathering sufficient information. In summary, the focus on gathering information enables consumers to make informed decisions that align with their needs and preferences.