Psych2Go: Psychology Tricks That Actually Work

Introduction

• Importance of making psychology and mental health accessible.
• Discusses how friends may use psychological tricks to persuade others.
• Lists 8 psychological tricks that are effective.

1. Call Them by Their Name

• People love hearing their name in conversations.
• Grabs attention and redirects focus.
• Example: Teachers using students' names to keep them attentive.
• Can be used to add charisma in conversations with someone you admire.

2. Hand Someone Something Mid-Conversation

• People are inclined to take objects handed to them during deep conversations.
• Example: Getting help to carry something by handing it over mid-discussion.

3. Pavlov Theory with Chewing Gum

• Chewing gum with a distinct flavor during study sessions can help with recall during an exam.
• Related to Pavlovian conditioning: pairing a stimulus (gum flavor) with a conditioned response (recall of information).
• Example: Ivan Pavlov's experiment with dogs and salivation.

4. Cognitive Dissonance for Positive Change

• Convince yourself you are already the person you want to be to align behaviors and goals.
• Example: Overcoming a bad habit by changing your mindset.
• Medical News Today: Cognitive dissonance happens when behaviors and beliefs do not align.

5. The Door-in-the-Face Technique

• Ask for a large favor first, then a smaller one; the smaller favor is more likely to be granted.
• Example: Asking parents for a dog, then a smaller pet like a chinchilla.

6. Ask for a Favor When Someone is Exhausted

• People are more likely to agree to something when they're tired.
• Example: Allowing a friend to stay over when you're too exhausted to argue.

7. Mirror Others to Make Friends

• Mirroring movements and gestures can help in forming friendships.
• Known as the chameleon effect: people are more open to those they perceive as similar.

8. Nod Your Head for Agreement

• Nodding while making a point can increase the chances of someone agreeing with you.
• 1980 Applied Psychology Journal study: People are likely to agree when they subconsciously nod their head.

Conclusion

• Encourage responsible use of these tricks.
• Awareness that others may use these tricks on you.
• Call for engagement: comments, likes, shares, and subscriptions.