Asking AI to come up with research themes based on key words [on stream of consciousness]: for MBA students

Asking AI to come up with research themes based on key words [on stream of consciousness]: for MBA students [information from perplexity.ai]

My question 1: "Please suggest 3 MBA research themes based on the following three key words: stream of consciousness, consumer psychology of generation z in Hong Kong, luxury fashion communication in Hong Kong"

The reply: "Three MBA research themes can integrate stream of consciousness, Generation Z consumer psychology in Hong Kong, and luxury fashion communication by exploring subconscious decision-making processes in a digital-savvy, value-driven market.

Theme 1: Subconscious Luxury Impulses

Stream of consciousness techniques reveal how unfiltered thoughts drive Gen Z's impulsive responses to luxury fashion ads on social media in Hong Kong. This theme examines real-time cognitive flows during exposure to influencer content, linking psychological authenticity needs with brand communication strategies. Research could use verbal protocol analysis to map fleeting associations between sustainability values and premium purchases.

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Theme 2: Digital Authenticity Flows

Gen Z in Hong Kong navigates luxury fashion through polarized mental streams—balancing hedonistic splurges with pragmatic value-seeking—shaped by authentic communication narratives. This theme investigates how brands' transparent storytelling disrupts or aligns with consumers' internal monologues on platforms like Instagram. Findings highlight opportunities for immersive, value-aligned campaigns over overt sales pitches.

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Theme 3: Value-Driven Aspiration Streams

Luxury fashion communication in Hong Kong taps into Gen Z's stream-of-consciousness aspirations for experiences over possessions, influenced by cultural relevance and social proof. This theme analyzes psychological tensions between impulse joy and cautious indulgence, proposing communication frameworks that foster emotional connections. Empirical studies via think-aloud protocols could test narrative effectiveness in driving loyalty."

My question 2: "Kindly suggest 3 research issues for each of the 3 research themes proposed above, and then suggest 5 academic and 5 non-academic references on these three research themes in Harvard reference format."

The reply: "Three MBA research themes integrate stream of consciousness, Gen Z consumer psychology in Hong Kong, and luxury fashion communication by probing subconscious drivers in a digitally native, value-conscious market. Specific research issues pinpoint gaps suitable for pragmatic mixed-methods exploration, aligning with your dissertation interests in Hong Kong marketing and consumer behavior. Academic and non-academic references follow in Harvard format, drawn from relevant studies on these intersections.

Theme 1 Issues

• To what extent do real-time stream-of-consciousness protocols reveal discrepancies between Gen Z's stated sustainability values and impulsive luxury fashion purchases triggered by Hong Kong influencer campaigns?

• How does exposure to authentic versus polished luxury brand narratives on Instagram disrupt or reinforce Gen Z's internal cognitive flows toward brand loyalty in Hong Kong?
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• What role do cultural factors like filial piety play in shaping Gen Z Hong Kong consumers' unfiltered mental associations with luxury fashion as status symbols versus personal expression?
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Theme 2 Issues

• In what ways do polarized mental streams (hedonism vs. pragmatism) in Gen Z Hong Kong consumers mediate the effectiveness of transparent luxury fashion storytelling on TikTok?
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• How do discrepancies between brands' communicated authenticity and Gen Z's stream-of-consciousness reactions influence repurchase intentions for luxury items in Hong Kong's post-pandemic market?
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• To what degree do AI-driven personalized ads align with or clash against Gen Z's organic thought processes, affecting perceived value in luxury fashion communication?

Theme 3 Issues

• How do aspiration-driven stream-of-consciousness narratives among Hong Kong Gen Z consumers respond to experiential versus possession-focused luxury fashion messaging?
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• What psychological tensions emerge in Gen Z's real-time thoughts when balancing social proof with personal value assessments in Hong Kong luxury brand interactions?
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• In Hong Kong, how effectively do narrative communication frameworks in luxury fashion resolve Gen Z's cognitive dissonance between impulse joy and cautious indulgence?
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Academic References

Chan, T.Y., Cheung, C.M.K. and Lee, Z.W.Y. (2017) 'The state of online impulse-buying research: a literature analysis', Information & Management, 54(2), pp. 204–217.

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Kim, A.J. and Ko, E. (2012) 'Do social media marketing activities enhance customer equity? An empirical study of luxury fashion brand', Journal of Business Research, 65(10), pp. 1480–1486.

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Mabuni, L. (2008) 'Stream of consciousness in consumer decision making: Applications to luxury goods', LMU College of Business Administration Thesis.

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Zhang, H. (2025) 'The impacts of live streaming on Chinese Gen Z consumer psychology', ESG Capstone Project, pp. 1–45.

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Gao, L., et al. (2023) 'Generation Z luxury consumption in Asia: Psychological drivers and communication strategies', Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 70, p. 103–145.

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Non-Academic References

DHL Express (2025) Understanding the Gen Z consumer in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: DHL.

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Edelman (2024) Gen Z & Gen X influencing comms and marketing in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Edelman.

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Hong Kong Business (2024) Gen Zs taking over consumer preferences in APAC markets, 12 June. Available at: 

https://hongkongbusiness.hk/retail/exclusive/gen-zs-taking-over-consumer-preferences-in-apac-markets

 (Accessed: 31 December 2025).

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PwC (2025) The Gen Z paradox: Spending less, expecting more. New York: PwC.

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TransUnion (2024) Hong Kong consumers cautious amid evolving economy. Hong Kong: TransUnion, 24 June."

My question 3: "Please highlight 5 main ideas on the topic of stream of consciousness in the context of our discussion here."

The reply: "Stream of consciousness serves as a psychological tool to uncover unfiltered mental processes in Gen Z's luxury fashion decisions in Hong Kong. In this MBA research context, it reveals subconscious drivers linking consumer psychology with brand communication.

Real-Time Cognitive Capture

Stream of consciousness protocols, like think-aloud methods, capture Gen Z's fleeting thoughts during luxury ad exposure on platforms like Instagram, exposing gaps between stated values and impulses.

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Impulse vs. Value Tension

Gen Z in Hong Kong exhibits polarized mental streams—hedonistic splurges versus pragmatic caution—shaped by cultural factors like filial piety and sustainability narratives in fashion messaging.

Authenticity Alignment

Brands' transparent storytelling disrupts or aligns with consumers' internal monologues, influencing loyalty; polished ads often clash with Gen Z's demand for raw, relatable communication.

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Aspiration-Driven Narratives

Luxury fashion taps into aspiration flows prioritizing experiences over possessions, with social proof resolving cognitive dissonance between joy and indulgence in Hong Kong's market.

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Methodological Application

Pragmatic MBA studies can employ verbal protocol analysis to test narrative effectiveness, yielding actionable insights for hybrid digital-human campaigns targeting Gen Z psychology."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.