Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

arrow_back_ios_new
MENTAL MODEL · M1183

Pique Technique

Pique Technique
BehaviormediumPsychology
Included
account_tree

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The pique technique uses an unusual request to attract attention and interrupt mindless refusal. Santos, Leve and Pratkanis compared requests for 17 or 37 cents with conventional requests for change. It is not a general technique for creating suspense or a curiosity gap.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Consider whether a request is being dismissed habitually, and use truthful, specific wording to invite consideration; agreement is not guaranteed.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The proposed explanation is that an unusual request interrupts habitual refusal and piques interest. The original studies observed more inquiries and greater giving, but this does not establish effectiveness in every setting.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/1

Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
Learning progress0%
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more

Source support: Explicit

  • link
    scu.edu2026-09-15: endpoint returned XML error; paper abstract verified via publisher-deposited Crossref record instead.EN · Explicit
    link
  • link
    doi.orghttps://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1994.tb00610.xEN
    verified

RELATED MODELS

Related model

Johari Window

Proposed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, it divides information in interpersonal interactions into four areas: Open Area (known to self/known to others), Blind Spot (unknown to self/known to others), Hidden Area (known to self/unknown to others), and Unknown Area (unknown to self/unknown to others).

arrow_forwardRelated model

Sayre's Law

Sayre’s law is a satirical adage about emotional intensity being disproportionate to the stakes, sometimes especially over small matters.

arrow_forwardRelated model

Negging

Negging ("to neg", meaning "negative feedback") is an act of emotional manipulation whereby a person makes a deliberate backhanded compliment or otherwise flirtatious remark to another person to undermine their confidence and attempt to engender in them a need for the manipulator's approval. The term was coined and prescribed by pickup artists.

arrow_forward