The effect of consumer review on the perceived trustworthiness of online retailers: Item response theory perspective

Abstract

Word of Mouth also works as a primary determinant of people's positive attitude towards online shopping and retailers. Notably, people are more likely to spend online shopping if they trust online retailers. This study also focuses on the online retail industry in the United Arab Emirates. The Item Response Theory primarily supports the conceptual model of the current research. We employed a cross-sectional design and selected a sample of n= 304 online consumers. Results revealed that the relationships between Positive Word of Mouth, Brand Image, and Causal Attributions are strongly validated (p> 0.000). Besides, the relationships between. Product Quality, Brand Image, and Causal Attributions are also affirmed with the path value at 1.014 and significance value at p> 0.000. Moreover, we also found a potentially significant relationship between Positive Word of Mouth and Product Quality p> 0.000). We also affirmed that the relationship between Brand Image and Causal Attribution is also validated with the significance values at p> 0.000. Lastly, the proposed relationships between we proposed a significant relationship are also validated (p> 0.000). Thus, we conclude that, today, when competition is increasing day by day, it is crucial to examine the consumer psychology that may highlight our several factors as done by the Item Response Theory. Further, we have discussed the study limitations and contributions accordingly.