Final answer:
The small group of homeowners who agreed to put up a large 'DRIVE SAVE' sign after initially agreeing to a smaller request exemplifies the foot-in-the-door technique and the principle of consistency in maintaining one's commitments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Freedman and Fraser experiment is associated with the concept of the foot-in-the-door technique, a psychological tactic used to persuade individuals. This technique involves gaining a small initial commitment, which then increases the likelihood of compliance with a larger request.
The small group of homeowners that agreed to put up a giant 'DRIVE SAVE' sign in their front yard likely did so not because of a genuine belief in the campaign or for financial incentive, but because they had previously agreed to a smaller, related request, illustrating the principle of consistency. This principle suggests that once people commit to an action, they are more likely to follow through with similar, larger actions to maintain a state of internal consistency.
Research has shown that the foot-in-the-door technique effectively changes people's attitude, ideas, and behaviors, which can be understood in the broader context of social conformity and personal appeals. The dynamic expounded upon by Freedman and Fraser's study demonstrates how social pressures and the desire to appear consistent in one's actions can significantly influence our decisions.