An artificial head start towards a goal raises completion rates more than an equivalent reduction in the goal.
Nunes and Drèze's carwash study: cards needing ten stamps with two already given were completed at nearly twice the rate of cards needing eight from zero. Identical work, different framing of where you stand.
In practice
- A twelve-week onboarding programme that credits new joiners with the first two weeks for prior experience is completed more often.
- A fitness app that starts the user at level three rather than level one sees more people reach level ten.
- Standing
- Why loyalty cards are issued with stamps already on them.
- Subject
- Psychology & Behavior
- Essay
- A century and a half of measuring the mind