Abstract:

In this paper I want to consider a new way of analysing consumer purchasing data. In brief the method consists of classifying consumers not by the usual demographic characteristics, but in terms of their purchasing behaviour in some previous period. We shall be considering the way in which a comprehensive mathematical model of consumer purchasing behaviour is useful, firstly in suggesting the form of analysis referred to above, and secondly in providing the necessary background for a proper interpretation of the analysis when carried out. The mathematical model referred to is the negative binomial model of consumer purchasing and the work to be described in this paper is part of a long-term programme of research and can be regarded as a development of the work previously reported to this conference in September 1962.