Question

For each six weapons of social influence that Robert Cialdini talks about, give an example from your life of an experience with that weapon. The weapon of influence might have been used by you or against you

Answer 1

1. Reciprocity – People have a tendency to return favors. I once received free samples of a new coffee brand and felt obliged to purchase it later.

2. Commitment and consistency – People have a tendency to honor commitments. I once told my friends that my mother was going to purchase an expensive bag for me. My mother backed out from the purchase eventually and I ended up buying the bag with my money.

3. Social proof – People will do things that they see other people are doing. My friends and I once began to look at an empty spot in the sky, and many bystanders stopped to look up into the sky as well.

4. Authority – People will tend to obey authority figures. When our teachers ask us to maintain silence in the classroom, we willingly oblige with them.

5. Liking – People are easily persuaded by other people that they like. I once bought a perfume from a store because the salesperson was very kind to me.

6. Scarcity – Perceived scarcity will generate demand. I once booked my flight tickets much in advance because they were on sale which supposedly lasted for a "limited time only".