User:Camabe/sandbox

In social psychology, the liking principle is a reference to the idea that most individuals are more likely to comply with those they are familiar with and like. Long-term association with an individual has been found to dramatically increase the likelihood of consensus, illustrating how this principle plays a very pivotal role in securing an agreement with another individual. Compliance professionals, such a sales people, actively employ the liking principle by placing emphasis on whatever makes them more attractive and likable to others.

One major influence on likability of an individual is physical attractiveness. Research has indicated that there is a great advantage to possessing good looks. Physical beauty causes an unconscious halo effect, which leads others to believe an individual has well liked traits including trustworthiness, kindness, intelligence and aptitude in all areas. Additionally, it is easier to like someone who is like us. Through assumed similarity, a tendency to identify and project ones own traits onto others, individuals use information about their self to form an impression of another person. If a person has similar hobbies, interests, opinions, or background as us we are more likely to agree with their requests. Compliance professionals can easily contrive this sort of similarity. A fourth component of the liking principle is familiarity. Repeated contact with someone or something will facilitate liking or disliking depending on whether or not the social interaction took place in positive conditions. In spontaneous, everyday social interactions among new acquaintances familiarity will tend to cause a likeness for an individual. Likewise, association can impact liking a great deal. If a person or product is connected to positive things, public figures or merchandise that person will probably harbor a likeness for that individual or thing. For example, consumers evaluate products related to humor, a positive emotion, better than products that have no relation.

The effectiveness of the liking principle can be utilized and enhanced by many different means. Because a lot factors that influence liking are unconscious—including attractiveness, familiarity and similarity—a simple approach must be taken. There are too many ways a defense can be blocked with a complex strategy. To defend against the liking principle, the liking principle must be allowed. Do not attempt to recognize the factors that are causing an undue liking; recognize that an undue liking has occurred. Once the feeling is noticed, countermeasures can be taken.