Date of Award

4-25-1988

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Michael S Wogalter

Abstract

The behavioral effects of cost and consensus on warning compliance were examined. Cost was defined as the amount of effort expended to perform the instructed behavior, while consensus was defined as whether the presence of another person who complies or fails to comply affects the rate of compliance of another. Subjects performed a chemistry laboratory task during which, they read a warning directing them to wear a safety mask and gloves. The frequency of the subjects' compliance was recorded. The results show reduced compliance when the cost was high. The results also show that the behavior of just one other person can increase or decrease the compliance of another person regardless of the cost condition. These results suggest that reduced cost and having others model appropriate behavior can facilitate compliance. Implications of this research for future safety maintenance and ideas for further research are discussed.

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