In 1974 this sociologist decided to see what would happen if he sent out 600 x-mas cards to random strangers. He got a more than 200 back - some including hand-written letters and family photos.
The Rule: Thou shall not take without giving in return
A much more practical application of the rule:
Quote:
If a server brings you a check and does not include a candy on the check tray, you will tip the server whatever it is that you feel the server deserves. "But if there's a mint on the tray, tips go up 3.3 percent," Cialdini says.
According to Cialdini, the researchers who did that study also discovered that if while delivering the tray with the mint the server paused, looked the customers in the eye, and then gave them a second mint while telling them the candy was specifically for them, "tips went through the roof."
Servers who gave a second mint got a 20 percent increase over their normal tip.
According to Cialdini, the researchers who did that study also discovered that if while delivering the tray with the mint the server paused, looked the customers in the eye, and then gave them a second mint while telling them the candy was specifically for them, "tips went through the roof."
Servers who gave a second mint got a 20 percent increase over their normal tip.
The story goes on to cite successful examples of groups essentially exploiting the rule of reciprocation - mostly to make money in the form of donations: Remembrance poppies, pre-printed labels holiday labels etc...all stuff you're given, without solicitation, in the hopes you'll feel obligated to donate to the cause in return.
For you x-mas celebrators, do you send out cards?
Is your card list based on cards you've received either this year or in the past?
Do you use and/or donate for those free 'personalized' address labels?
I send out holiday cards occasionally - not every year. I've found that people will reciprocate for 3 or 4 years before bumping you off the list.
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