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Expectation confirmation theory
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<p>Expectation confirmation theory (or ECT) is a <a href="/facts/Cognitive_psychology/GnzIgx2I">cognitive theory</a> which seeks to explain post-purchase or post-adoption <a href="/facts/Contentment/l2LqPoI0">satisfaction</a> as a function of expectations, perceived performance, and disconfirmation of <a href="/facts/Belief/HbPvkGT6">beliefs</a>. The structure of the theory was developed in a series of two papers written by Richard L. Oliver in 1977 and 1980. Although the theory originally appeared in the <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychology</a> and <a href="/facts/Marketing/LttVQ66t">marketing</a> literatures, it has since been adopted in several other scientific fields, notably including <a href="/facts/Consumer_research/TVqxh9zK">consumer research</a> and <a href="/facts/Information_systems/apcSzFLh">information systems</a>, among others. </p>