Will you read this article's abstract? Theories of the question–behavior effect

Abstract

Abstract Question–behavior research has frequently demonstrated that asking questions about future behaviors increases the performance of socially normative behaviors. In response to of the question–behavior effect in the context of risky behaviors, we consider how asking questions about an undesirable behavior may increase the probability of performing that behavior. We suggest that a theory with 19th century roots—ideomotor action—may be useful in understanding these potential effects.