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Verbal interaction in a social dilemma

Author

Listed:
  • Zoë Adams

    (Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK)

  • Agata Ludwiczak

    (Psychology and Counselling, School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, London, UK)

  • Devyani Sharma

    (Linguistics, School of Language Linguistics and Film, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK)

  • Magda Osman

    (Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)

Abstract

This study presents the first sociolinguistic examination of communication in a social dilemma. 90 participants (18 groups of 5) completed a modified public goods game with 2 rounds: an effort-based task and an unscripted online chat about the results. A linear regression shows that consensus-building language in the Round 1 chat affects cooperative behaviour in the Round 2 task. A qualitative analysis of 3 groups explores how participants use different recognisable styles of communication (registers) to strategically align with or disalign from one another (stancetaking). Each analysis is complemented with a quantitative visualisation of how (dis)alignment between participants unfolds in real-time. We found that successful groups employ registers associated with collective action, such as gameshow talk (‘ouch. £69 out of a possible £120’) to encourage, punish, and pledge allegiance to one another. Less successful groups use registers that risk evoking mistrust and reducing obligation, such as business talk (‘I approve’). We argue that a mixed methods approach to interaction and behaviour can reveal incremental shifts in consensus building that underpin quantitative outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoë Adams & Agata Ludwiczak & Devyani Sharma & Magda Osman, 2022. "Verbal interaction in a social dilemma," Rationality and Society, , vol. 34(3), pages 334-367, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:34:y:2022:i:3:p:334-367
    DOI: 10.1177/10434631221094555
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