George Mason University Compliance Gaining Observation Discussion

1.COMPLIANCE GAINING OBSERVATION
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this exercise is for you to apply what we will be
discussing in class to a real life occurrence of compliance gaining. This exercise should
help you connect day to day interactions with the types of research currently being
conducted in communication research.
TASK ANALYSIS: First, you will need a partner for this exercise. It may be someone
from the class or a friend. Both partners should be familiar with the compliance gaining
strategies provided in the handout. Second, you need to observe a compliance gaining
interaction in a natural setting. You are not a participant. You should be close enough to
observe and, if you cannot find a partner, record interactions. If you record the
interactions, be discreet. If you try to write them down, remember to review your notes as
quickly as possible so you don’t forget anything and/or you can read your observations.
Third, you and your partner should try to get compliance from 3 different unknown
individuals. Accept a “No” after three failed attempts. Some ideas for compliance
include:
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Persuade someone to let you borrow their car.
Persuade someone to stand on a bench and shout, “I am the
greatest! Come hear my infinite wisdom. I am the center of the
universe!”
Persuade someone to eat an apple (provide the apple)
Persuade someone to buy you a meal.
Persuade someone to go to your next class and take notes for you
or turn their camera on.
Persuade someone to sing their favorite pop song (one Direction,
Taylor Swift, etc.)
Persuade someone to let you buy the drink or food item they have.
Persuade someone to race you.
Persuade someone to download your favorite app
2.
Once you get compliance, the experiment is done. Thank the subject for their help. In no
way should the compliance objective humiliate or put the subject in a hostile or
objectifying position. This is an academic exploration and the standards of respect and
consideration we employ in class discussion will be adhered to during the course of the
experiment. Fourth, write down everything regarding the interaction. Be sure to focus
on: A) who was involved B) What was done and said by the agent C) how did the target
respond D) Did the target resist and how did the agent respond. Fifth, examine the
typologies used and determine the strategies that were used. Last, analyze the
effectiveness of the agent in your observation. Could they have been more effective? If
yes, how?
WRITING THE PAPER: Provide the following in the paper: 1) description of the
compliance gaining incident (who, when, where, what was the objective; 2) what
strategies were used and how did the target resist 3) effectiveness – what worked and
why as well as what did not work and why 4) conclusion – how could this experiment be
useful in your future interactions? Remember, all written assignments must be doublespaced typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman Font, 2-3 pages in length. Since being able to
communicate through writing is as important as being able to communicate orally, each
PAGE of your paper is allowed ONE spelling mistake and ONE grammar mistakes. Any
additional points will result in a point deducted from the paper’s total score.