Which principle is defined as inherently wanting to return favors?

Which principle is defined as inherently wanting to return favors?

• A. Reciprocity
• B. Scarcity
• C. Authority/Credibility
• D. Liking

Answer: (A)

Reciprocity is the tendency to want to repay others for actions they’ve taken for us. This built‑in urge to return a favor makes people more likely to help again or agree to requests after receiving something first. It’s a powerful social trigger because the sense of obligation isn’t just a thought—it motivates behavior to balance the social exchange. Scarcity deals with value rising when resources are limited, and authority/credibility taps into trust you place in someone who seems knowledgeable or in charge. Liking means you’re more inclined to say yes to people you find agreeable or friendly. None of these describe the impulse to immediately return a favor, which is what reciprocity captures.

Reciprocity is the tendency to want to repay others for actions they’ve taken for us. This built‑in urge to return a favor makes people more likely to help again or agree to requests after receiving something first. It’s a powerful social trigger because the sense of obligation isn’t just a thought—it motivates behavior to balance the social exchange.

Scarcity deals with value rising when resources are limited, and authority/credibility taps into trust you place in someone who seems knowledgeable or in charge. Liking means you’re more inclined to say yes to people you find agreeable or friendly. None of these describe the impulse to immediately return a favor, which is what reciprocity captures.