Assess Systems Australia

Tag Archives: social proof

Nudging in the right direction

By Ricki Sharpe | Published: May 12, 2008

Every day we make decisions on topics ranging from personal investments to schools for our children to the meals we eat to the causes we champion. Unfortunately, we often choose poorly. Nudge is the latest in a series of books that detail the many ways in which our decision making is irrational, and what we can do about it.

Also tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How peer influence can backfire

By Ricki Sharpe | Published: January 11, 2008

Recently, I wrote about how the principle of Social Proof can promote compliance with a direction. Social Proof or Peer Influence (as some call it) occurs when people who are uncertain about a course of action look outside themselves and to other people for clues to the correct action. Sometimes, however, we can fail to appreciate the full power of peer influence — or we might neglect to anticipate its unintended consequences.

Also tagged , | Leave a comment

50 scientific ways to be persuasive

By Ricki Sharpe | Published: January 1, 2008

Which of the following calls to action following a TV commercial is more persuasive? Operators are waiting to take your call now OR If the phone lines are busy, please keep trying. Which request to reuse hotel towels gets the greatest response? Help save the environment by reusing your towels OR Join other guests that already reuse their towels. The answers to these and other persuasive scenarios can be found in a fascinating new book that explores the science behind getting people to say Yes.

Also tagged , , | 1 Comment