What is Compliance techniques in IB Psychology?

Compliance techniques is a key topic in IB Psychology covering core concepts, theories, and research relevant to the IB Psychology syllabus, examined in Paper 1 and Paper 2.

How is Compliance techniques assessed in IB Psychology?

Compliance techniques is assessed in Paper 1 Section A and B and may appear in Paper 2. Understanding the mark scheme is essential for scoring full marks.

How do I write a high-scoring answer on Compliance techniques?

A high-scoring answer requires a clear command term response, relevant theory with supporting evidence, critical evaluation, and a conclusion.

IB Psychology Compliance techniques Notes

Study Notes

Mark Scheme

SECTION A MARK SCHEME (4 marks) Must Include: • Direct request as simplest technique • Foot-in-the-door (FITD): small request first • FITD increases compliance to large request • Self-consistency mechanism (image maintenance) • Self-perception mechanism (infer attitudes from behaviour) • Freedman & Fraser study: petition → yard sign • Small initial commitment → attitude change

Link Formula: "The small initial [request] activated self-consistency/self-perception mechanisms, increasing compliance to the [larger request]."

Watch Out: Don't treat FITD as just "one leads to the other"—explain the psychological mechanism (self-consistency or self-perception).

SECTION B MARK SCHEME (6 marks) 0 marks: No relevant knowledge. 1–2 marks: Basic definition; minimal application. 3–4 marks: FITD described; partial application. 5–6 marks: FITD mechanism correctly explained as a two-step process; Freedman & Fraser credited; self-consistency and self-perception both named as underlying mechanisms; classic study explicitly linked to the compliance principle; explicit application to scenario.

Why Full Marks

FITD mechanism correctly explained as a two-step process; Freedman & Fraser now credited; self-consistency and self-perception both named as underlying mechanisms; classic study explicitly linked to the compliance principle.

Model Answer

High-Scoring Sample

Section A Sample Answer

Compliance is a form of social influence where an individual follows a direct request. The "Foot-in-the-Door" (FITD) technique involves making a small, easy request first to gain agreement, followed by a larger request. This works because of the human need for self-consistency and self-perception; once an individual agrees to a small favor, they perceive themselves as a "supporter" and are motivated to act consistently with that new self-image.

In a classic study (Freedman & Fraser), homeowners who first agreed to sign a petition about safe driving were much more likely to later agree to a large, intrusive request of placing a "Drive Carefully" sign in their yard. This demonstrates how compliance techniques exploit the need for self-consistency, showing how initial social requests can systematically influence subsequent behavior.

Section B Sample Answer

Compliance is a change in behavior in response to a direct request. The university could use the "Foot-in-the-door" (FITD) technique by asking students to attend a 5-minute tour (small request). This leverages commitment and consistency; once they see themselves as "hub users," they agree to use it full-time. This demonstrates a compliance technique because it shows how the university can systematically influence student behavior. Contrasting this with Door-in-the-Face (starting with a huge request) shows that starting small is often more effective for long-term consistency.