A Meta-Analytic Review of the Legitimization of Paltry Favors Compliance Strategy

The legitimization of paltry favors compliance-gaining technique involves a phrase that validates a very small amount of requested aid. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the legitimization of paltry favors technique on the compliance rate, mean contribution amount per contributor, and total contribution amount. Results indicated that the legitimization of paltry favors technique significantly increased the compliance rate relative to a direct request control without markedly diminishing the mean contribution amount per contributor. In terms of total contribution amount, the legitimization of paltry favors technique was more successful than controls. Moderator analyses showed none of 14 identified moderators explained the relationship between technique use and compliance rate. Three variables (target request, time interval, and country), however, moderated the relationship between technique use and the mean contribution per contributor. Theoretical and practical implications for legitimization of paltry favors-based research are discussed.