Jennifer McCarron Calgary Jun 9, 2010 15:40 pm

Might any of you know whether a statistic exists with regards to the efficacy of commitments? For example, something like, if a person verbally commits to a task, they are X% more likely to follow through and complete it.

I know of Steven J. Shermans study in Bloomington with regards to canvassing for volunteers for the American Cancer Society. He noticed a 700 percent increase in volunteers after the community had been previously surveyed with random questions including, Would you ever consider volunteering for the cancer society? Unfortunately, I'm not having luck in sourcing this original study and I don't think I can translate 700% into a general statement about commitments!

Any articles you can suggest would be welcome. Thanks!

Jennifer Paul
Communications & Outreach Manager
Climate Change Central
Canada