In a study discussed in your textbook, researchers studied the reactions of people who were about to use a photocopier when a researcher approached and asked to be allowed to use it first. One of three different requests was made:
• "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine?"
• "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine, because I have to make copies?"
• "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine, because I'm in a rush?"
How did the individuals typically respond to these requests? How were these results interpreted in our textbook?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
• Only the third request presented a legitimate reason; however, people also complied with the second request, where the reason only sounded legitimate.
• This was interpreted as an example of mindlessness: mental inflexibility, inertia, and obliviousness to the present context.
• People heard the form of the request, but they did not hear its content, and they mindlessly stepped aside.
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