Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
acceptedVersion
Publication Date
6-2024
Abstract
The Continuous Trinity Model (CTM) of brand associations integrates 50 years of consumer learning research with recent conceptualizations of consciousness. Three types of brand associations are proposed at the representational level (expectations, meaning, and affect), corresponding to three types of learning at the process level (predictive learning, referential learning, and direct affect transfer). A core proposition derived from research on automaticity holds that the operating conditions of the learning processes vary on a continuum from mostly System 2 for predictive learning to mostly System 1 for direct affect transfer, with referential learning as a mix of the two. The CTM aims to bring clarity and structure to a complex literature by highlighting the web of interrelations between operating principles (“what” brand associations are learned), operating processes (“how” brand associations are learned), and operating conditions (“when” brand associations are learned). For consumer and learning researchers, the CTM outlines an agenda for future research and guidelines to improve conceptual and methodological clarity. For brand managers, the CTM provides tactical recommendations (a “toolkit”) for structuring advertising campaigns to create desired brand associations, and strategic recommendations for managing brand partnerships. For policy makers, the CTM offers guidance on types of advertisements requiring closer scrutiny.
Keywords
Consumer learning, brand associations, attitudes, automaticity, theory building
Discipline
Marketing | Sales and Merchandising
Research Areas
Marketing
Publication
Journal of Consumer Research
Volume
51
Issue
1
First Page
29
Last Page
41
ISSN
0093-5301
Identifier
10.1093/jcr/ucad046
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Citation
PLESSIS, Christilene Du; D'HOOGE, Serena; and SWELDENS, Steven.
The science of creating brand associations: A Continuous Trinity Model linking brand associations to learning processes. (2024). Journal of Consumer Research. 51, (1), 29-41.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/7496
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucad046