Use of intrinsic and extrinsic cues to assess textile product quality*

Abstract

Use of intrinsic and extrinsic cues to assess quality of textile items was studied. Product‐knowledgeable subjects rated the quality of socks and sweaters and completed a questionnaire which asked how they judged quality. Subjects relied more on product information (intrinsic cues), i.e., compositional features and performance properties, to assess quality than on price and warranty/certification seals (extrinsic cues). Significance lies in increased understanding of the process involved in quality assessment of textile items in the marketplace.