Ben Franklin effect

The Ben Franklin effect is a psychological finding: A person who has "done" someone a favor is more likely to do that person another favor than they would be if they had "received" a favor from that person. Similarly, one who harms another is more willing to harm them again than the victim is to retaliate. [A more detailed explanation appears at the [http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/ben_franklin_effect.htm page on the Ben Franklin effect at changingminds.org] .]

For modern research on this phenomenon, see the foot-in-the-door technique.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously observed the paradox and for whom it is named, "He that has once done you a Kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged." [From "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," as given in "Benjamin Franklin: Writings," ed. J.A. Leo Lemay (NY: Library of America, 1987), p. 1404. ISBN 0-940450-29-1.]

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