Warning Compliance: Behavioral Effects of Cost and Consensus

Abstract

Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the behavioral effects of cost and consensus on warning compliance. Subjects performed a chemistry demonstration task using a set of instructions that contained a warning directing them to wear a safety mask and gloves. In Experiment 1, cost was manipulated by locating the masks and gloves in either an accessible location (low cost) or a less accessible location (high cost). In Experiment 2, consensus was manipulated by the additional presence of a confederate subject who either did or did not comply with the warning. The results showed reduced compliance to the warning when the cost was high, and that the compliance rate was biased up or down depending on the behavior of the confederate. Implications of this research for facilitating warning effectiveness and safety are discussed.

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