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

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.