Meta-analyses were performed on research investigating the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. A total of 120 experimental groups were examined, as well as a subset of the research considered to be pure tests of the foot-in-the-door hypothesis. The statistical combinations were consistent in indicating that the phenomenon, although replicable, is weak and not nearly as robust as assumed. Nearly half of the studies either produced no effects or effects in the wrong direction. The common self-perception explanation was found to be imprecise in leading to clear predictions; nevertheless, data were presented that have implications for the theory. A number of potentially mediating variables were examined. New theorctical development and clarification of underlying proceses are needed.
Two field studies explored the relationship between self-awareness and transgressive behavior. In the first study, 363 Halloween trick-or-treaters were instructed to only take one candy. Self-awareness induced by the presence of a mirror placed behind the candy bowl decreased transgression rates for children who had been individuated by asking them their name and address, but did not affect the behavior of children left anonymous. Self-awareness influenced older but not younger children. Naturally occurring standards instituted by the behavior of the first child to approach the candy bowl in each group were shown to interact with the experimenter's verbally stated standard. The behavior of 349 subjects in the second study replicated the findings in the first study. Additionally, when no standard was stated by the experimenter, children took more candy when not self-aware than when self-aware.
A group of undergraduates previously informed as to how social-psychological factors operate to inhibit helping behavior was more likely to help a victim at a later date than was an uninformed group.
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