Final answer:
Indecisive shoppers are most likely to take the longest to make a decision because they face uncertainty and fear of wrong choices. Showroom, well-informed, and bargain-hunter shoppers generally make quicker decisions. The concept of 'imperfect information' can impact decision-making processes. Therefore, the correct option is d. Indecisive shoppers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the types of shoppers listed, d. Indecisive shoppers are most likely to take the longest to make a decision. These shoppers often struggle to make choices due to uncertainty and the fear of making the wrong decision. In contrast, showroom shoppers might take less time as they can visually inspect the product, well-informed shoppers already have much of the information they need, and bargain-hunter shoppers focus on finding the best deals quickly.
Every purchase is based on the belief about the satisfaction that the good or service will provide. When buyers have imperfect information or the information is unclear, it can lead to hesitation, indecisiveness, and ultimately delay the decision-making process. For example, when buying apples at a roadside stand, the degree of imperfect information might be relatively low as the buyer can see and judge the quality of the apples directly. On the other hand, buying dinner at the neighborhood restaurant could involve a higher degree of imperfect information as the satisfaction from the meal can be subjective and less predictable until actually experienced.