student survey

[Edwin Dahlquist <Edwin -dot- Dahlquist -at- asu -dot- edu>]

To regard the "survey" as anything but a marketing ploy is naive. It is based 
on Cialdini's basic work on commitment--once you have stated an opinion, there 
is a strong tendency to subsequently reiterate and support that opinion. The 
same ploy was evident in "contests" that require a customer to state (in 25 or 
50 words) why the xyz widget is best. The contest is irrelevant; the important 
thing is to force prospective customers to formulate a response indicating they 
prefer xyz widget. Once stated, consistency kicks in big time, and requires 
that the customer act, walk, and talk in concert with his or her stated opinion.

For an interesting insight, try Cialdini's "Influence" or any or Robert Baron's 
works on social psychology. If you think it is fluff, bear in mind that it was 
used by the Chinese in Korea to turn US POWs at an alarming rate. (Not personal 
opinion--see Dr. Cialdini's work, and Baron's work on police interrogation 
techniques to extract willing "confessions" to crimes not committed.)
Thanks

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