Which principle describes a desire to be consistent with prior commitments?

Which principle describes a desire to be consistent with prior commitments?

• A. Reciprocity
• B. Liking
• C. Commitment and Consistency
• D. Social Proof

Answer: (C)

Desire to be consistent with prior commitments is driven by the need to act in a way that matches what we’ve already said or done. When you make a commitment, especially in public or at a low cost, you feel internal pressure to follow through so your actions stay in line with that commitment. This reduces cognitive dissonance and preserves a coherent self-image, making you more likely to continue in the same direction or agree to bigger requests later. For example, agreeing to a small favor can make you more inclined to approve larger favors down the line because it would feel inconsistent to backtrack. The other options describe different social dynamics: reciprocity involves returning favors, liking involves how much we’re swayed by people we like, and social proof involves following what others are doing. The desire to stay consistent with past commitments best explains the described effect.

Desire to be consistent with prior commitments is driven by the need to act in a way that matches what we’ve already said or done. When you make a commitment, especially in public or at a low cost, you feel internal pressure to follow through so your actions stay in line with that commitment. This reduces cognitive dissonance and preserves a coherent self-image, making you more likely to continue in the same direction or agree to bigger requests later. For example, agreeing to a small favor can make you more inclined to approve larger favors down the line because it would feel inconsistent to backtrack. The other options describe different social dynamics: reciprocity involves returning favors, liking involves how much we’re swayed by people we like, and social proof involves following what others are doing. The desire to stay consistent with past commitments best explains the described effect.