NBC Select
What to buy before tariffs cause major price hikes, according to shopping experts
Ross Steinman, professor of psychology, provides insight into rising costs for consumers due to tariffs.
Ross B. Steinman, PhD
- Professor, Psychology
Media Expertise:
- Psychology & Mental Health
Affiliated Programs
Education
- PhD, Consumer Psychology/Industrial (2004)
Temple University (PA)
About Me
One of the joys of being a professor is the opportunity to instruct and mentor intelligent young adults on a daily basis. I have a great passion for learning, and I attempt to convey this to my students. I believe I am successful by showing enthusiasm for the material. I feel most energized when I am in the classroom. I believe that when students see that you are excited about the course material it is contagious. More often than not, they find it stimulating and important too.
As a professor, I use multiple methods of instruction to fit the different learning styles of my students. I also teach a variety of courses across all levels of the psychology curriculum. My primary teaching interest is in the intersection of psychology and business.
Research Interests
Can we predict to what extent consumers sanction brands for their transgressions? There are many factors that mediate the consumer-brand relationship before, during, and after a brand's transgression. A brand transgression is defined as a violation of consumer-brand relationship norms. This breach of trust can have serious implications for a brand.
In my research, I examine the effect of variables such as brand personality, product category, ethnocentrism, and brand-country associations on consumer response to a brand transgression. I also conduct research on automatic consumer behavior. I use implicit and indirect consumer attitude instruments to measure attitudes outside of conscious awareness. In this secondary research area, I examine the automatic components of brand relationship, brand identification, cultural identity, and consumer decision making.
Media Expertise
- Industrial/organizational psychology
- Consumer behavior
- Indirect and implicit measures of attitude in the consumer domain
- Effect of brand transgression on consumer attitude and preference
- Automatic decision making of consumers
- Cross-cultural differences in consumer behavior
Publications
- Steinman, R.B. (2012). Indirect consumer attitude measurement, brand transgression, and the consumer-brand relationship. Journal of American Academy of Business, 18, 62–68.
- Steinman, R.B. (2012). Brand personality, brand transgression, and consumer behavior. International Journal of Business and Commerce, 2(1), 76–83.
- Steinman, R.B., & Karpinski, A. (2009). The breadth-based adjective rating Task (BART) in consumer behavior. Marketing Letters, 20(4), 327–335.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Society for Consumer Psychology (SCP), International Academy of Business and Economics (IABE), International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD), International Academy for Advancement of Business and Research (IAABR)
Awards
- Widener University, College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2013–2014
- Widener University, College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, 2012–2013
- Widener University, Pi Gamma Mu (National Social Science Honor Society) Faculty Appreciation Award, 2007–2008
In the Media
- CNN
Economic warning sign: Tinned fish sales are on the rise
Ross Steinman, professor of psychology, comments on the recent growth in popularity of tinned fish amid economic anxiety and declining consumer sentiment caused by the trade war.
- NBC Select
Yes, tariffs will cause price hikes — here’s what you should buy now, according to experts
Ross Steinman, professor of psychology, gives insight into how recent tariffs could impact prices for consumers.
- NBC Select
Tariffs are now in effect — here’s what you should buy before brands raise prices
Ross Steinman, professor of psychology, shares how prices may soon go up for consumers due to recent tariffs.
- Philly Mag
Store Hopping and Discount Chasing: How Philadelphians Are Grocery Shopping Now
Ross Steinman, professor of psychology, offers insight into consumer behavior when grocery shopping in this article. He shares that consumers tend to prefer to grocery shop in person in stores, and that price is a top factor for shoppers when planning their trips.