The Milgram Shock Experiment: Sense of Duty Gone Too Far?

The Milgram Shock Experiment: Sense of Duty Gone Too Far?

Have you ever done anything out of obedience to authority or a sense of duty? Did it ever make you uncomfortable? Would you question the instructions of someone in a position of authority? The Milgram Shock Experiment shows how far you might go. The Milgram Shock Experiment is a study that demonstrated how willing people are to give deference to authority. Their obedience to authority allowed them to inflict pain on others even when they felt uncomfortable. See how a sense of duty played out in the Milgram Shock Experiment.

Consistency Bias: Don’t Double Down on Bad Decisions

Consistency Bias: Don’t Double Down on Bad Decisions

Do you feel confident after you’ve made a decision? Even if you were uncertain when weighing options, do you feel committed once a choice has been made? You may be experiencing a consistency bias that stops you from seeing that you made a bad decision. The consistency bias is your inability to see flaws because you’re blinded by the desire to be consistent with previous actions. Behavioral consistency can be contradictory to what is rationally the best decision. Learn how to combat the consistency bias.

Symbols of Authority: Your Title Matters More Than Your Job

Symbols of Authority: Your Title Matters More Than Your Job

Have you ever seen a job title that really impressed you? How do you respond to instructions from someone in uniform? What do you think of someone dressed in a suit versus someone in casual clothes? Title, uniforms, and other clothing are all symbols of authority. Symbols of authority are things like titles, uniforms, and insignia, which can all signal a person is in a position of authority. People are hard-wired to comply with requests that come from an acknowledged and accepted source of authority. See how compliance professionals use the appearance or suggestion of authority to force you to

Reciprocity Marketing: Your Free Trial Isn’t Really Free

Reciprocity Marketing: Your Free Trial Isn’t Really Free

Have you ever used a free trial period? Did you cancel before paying for the real subscription? Or did you feel like you should at least give them something if you got something for free? This reciprocity marketing strategy relies on you feeling obligated. Reciprocity marketing is a sales strategy in which something free is offered in the hopes of creating a reciprocal obligation. It’s harder to say no to someone after they’ve offered you something first. See when something is a genuine offer and when it is reciprocity marketing.

Authority Principle: Your Boss Is Right Even When He’s Wrong

Authority Principle: Your Boss Is Right Even When He’s Wrong

Do you do as you’re told? Are you more likely to follow instructions from your doctor, manager, teacher, or a police officer? The authority principle of persuasion explains our instinctive deference to people with power or expertise. The Authority Principle is the theory that people are hard-wired to comply with requests that come from an acknowledged and accepted source of authority. While authority was important for the development of civilization, it can also be manipulated. Learn about where the need for authority came from and how authority influences you.

Why Do You Want What You Can’t Have? The Scarcity Principle

Why Do You Want What You Can’t Have? The Scarcity Principle

Have you ever bought something just because it was on sale and you didn’t want to miss the good price? What about buying something just because you think it’s rare? The Scarcity Principle of persuasion makes us want what we think we might not be able to have. The Scarcity Principle is a theory that says people find more appealing those things with limited availability. When something is or seems rare, you are more likely to want it. Learn about scarcity and how it affects your decisions.