In-Group Versus Out-Group: Examining Truth-Bias and Language Use in Inter-Group Communication

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Date
2021
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Publisher
University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

This dissertation is guided by the central premise of truth-default theory that examined whether truth-bias holds for communication with out-group members compared to communication with in-group members. Additionally, this dissertation investigated whether suspicion trigger sensitivity is higher for out-group members than in-group members. Participants were recruited to watch four speakers from the U.S. and China, and judged their honesty. The results suggested that people hold a stronger truth-bias towards those perceived as in-group members when that member shared the same opinion as them on the social issue. However, the results did not reveal a stronger truth-bias towards those who shared and valued the same culture. Moreover, all participants showed a higher suspicion trigger sensitivity towards out-group members who were from the different culture as them, and higher suspicion trigger sensitivity was also evident for those who shared different opinions on a social issue. Additionally, an investigation of language patterns was conducted that explored 24 speakers’ language usage when discussing a personal relationship topic and a social topic. Language patterns of all speakers were analyzing in their use of first personal pronouns, negative emotion words, motion words, and exclusive terms.

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Culture, Deception, In-group, Out-group, Suspicion Trgger Sensitivity, Truth-bias
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