Prosocial Behavior and Compliance in Signing a Petition

Summary

Two theories which have served to explain prosocial behavior were used to devise procedures for increasing compliance. Seventy-two males and 72 females who were walking in a shopping center were asked to sign a petition; the request was stated in four ways. Increased compliance was obtained when the S was informed that he would receive some direct benefits by complying. If the S was informed that the benefits would be of a general nature, increased compliance did not occur. Support was not obtained for the norm of responsibility.