Final answer:
The information retrieval process that scans stored memory for past experiences and knowledge about different purchase alternatives without any cues is known as recall. This process is crucial in decision-making during purchasing, influencing buyer behaviors based on their recollections of past purchase satisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information retrieval which attempts to scan information stored in memory to recall past experiences and/or knowledge regarding various purchase alternatives is referred to as recall. This is a form of memory retrieval that involves accessing information without cues. For instance, in the context of consumer behavior and marketing, when consumers make decisions about future purchases, they rely on recall to remember past experiences with similar products or services. Unlike recognition, where individuals identify previously learned information after encountering it again, recall does not provide such direct cues but relies on the individual's ability to retrieve information independently from long-term memory.
When purchasing, every decision is based on a set of beliefs about the satisfaction that the product or service is expected to provide. These beliefs come from information the buyer has available, which often includes their past experiences with similar purchases. The ability to recall this information can influence future buying behaviors, especially when the available information to the buyer is imperfect or unclear, leading to uncertainty and possibly regret over past choices or hesitation to make new ones.