Question

Meghan decided she wanted a pet gerbil. She had been told "no" by her parents before. This time she insisted

that her parents buy her a miniature goat. She even went so far as to look up information on pet goats at the
library. When her parents firmly said "absolutely no" to the goat, Meghan then asked again about getting a
gerbil. Her parents this time said "yes," so long as she never brought up the goat again. Meghan had
successfully used which compliance strategy?
a. low-ball technique
b. door-in-the-face technique
c. foot-in-the-door technique
d. small-order technique

Answer 1

Meghan successfully used the door-in-the-face technique by initially asking for a large request (a miniature goat) and then settling for a smaller request (a gerbil) after the large request was denied.

Step-by-step explanation:

Meghan had successfully used the door-in-the-face technique for compliance. This strategy involves making a large request that is expected to be refused (like asking for a miniature goat) and then following it up with a smaller request (asking for a gerbil), which seems much more reasonable in comparison. This technique exploits the principle of reciprocity and contrast; people are more likely to agree to the second, smaller request after rejecting the first, larger one.

To illustrate the foot-in-the-door technique mentioned in the question, imagine a store owner who first convinces you to purchase a basic item, like a smartphone with the best data plan. Then they upsell you on a more expensive item, like a three-year extended warranty. Having agreed to the first, smaller request, you're more likely to agree to the subsequent, larger request, showcasing the psychological principle of consistency - where we want our actions to be consistent with our previous decisions.