The TV show Seinfeld was unique in that it provided an exaggerated or sarcastic examination of virtually every possible social interaction. This makes the show a useful teaching tool for various principles of social psychology. The show is available on DVD and I make use of at least one of the episodes just about every term.
In particular, there are several episodes that illustrate the principles of persuasion that social psychologist Robert Cialdini identified in his book, Influence: the Power of Persuasion. From a communication perspective, people probably most often perceive persuasion as spoken or written communication, such as a sales presentation. But much of communication happens in the context of what is spoken and in the actions of people. Much of what Cialdini identified as constituting persuasion falls in the latter category and is illustrated in many Seinfeld episodes.
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We tend to behave in ways that are consistent with our self-image. We are persuaded by appeals to that self-image and tend to react with dissonance when this is threatened. In one episode, George loses his cool and follows a car out of the city, missing an important meeting because he thought the driver had given him and his passenger, a baseball player, the finger. His anger was expressed by saying that no one does that to a Yankee. The self-image of what it means to be a Yankee motivated his behavior. In the same episode, people start eating chocolate bars with a knife and a fork because they see others doing it, starting with a member of high society. This is an example of the phenomenon known as social proof. We are motivated to copy the behaviors of others.
Urgency is another powerful motivator. The cause of urgency is often scarcity or perceived scarcity. The taking a birth control sponge off the market episode is one of many examples of this persuasive element. Reciprocation is also examined in many episodes, such as, debate over the right length of time to display a greeting card or whether or not soup constitutes a meal when it is part of a deal. We tend to be motivated by people and things we simple like. Numerous characters in many episodes go to very humorous lengths to change their behavior because of people they like, such as when Elaine is dating the maestro. The influence of authority is also evident in many episodes, such as Kramer's caddy or lawyer.
Some students of course don't like this method of teaching, but generally, it's good for a few laughs and they do remember the concepts.