If you need help, just ask: Underestimating compliance with direct requests for help

People underestimate by as much as 50% how likely others are to say yes when asked directly for help.

Flynn, F. J. & Lake, V. K. B. (2008). If you need help, just ask: Underestimating compliance with direct requests for help. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(1), 128–143.

Type

Journal article

Find it

doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.95.1.128

Checked

Against the abstract, 15 September 2026

Why it is on the list

Across six studies, people underestimated by as much as half how often others agreed to a direct request for help. The reason: help-seekers weigh what saying yes costs the helper and forget that saying no is socially costly too. Week 8 uses this to suggest making the request, in one sentence, even when you expect a refusal.