Three studies examine
the effect of limited availability on the engagement, consumption, and choice
behavior of four- to five-year old children. It is shown that children engage
longer in an activity when the activity is presented as limited in time and
consume more of a particular food when the food is presented as limited in
quantity. It is also shown that the consumption ratio of a less preferred food
to a more preferred one increases when the less preferred food is presented as
limited in quantity. Finally, children are more likely to choose a less
preferred option over a more preferred one when the less preferred option
becomes less available