Patterns of topic sequencing and information gain: A comparative study of relationship development in Chinese and American cultures

Abstract

Patterns of inferred information, information gain, and topic placement for Chinese and American respondents were compared. Based on pilot interviews and existing literature, four hypotheses were derived: 1) Chinese respondents infer more information about others when introduced, 2) displace topics later in time, and categorize more messages as 3) prohibited and 4) obligatory. Respondents read a description of initial meeting, completed information scales, and sorted a set of statements. Results partially supported the first three hypotheses. Hypotheses 4 was not supported. Results suggest the diversity of cultural patterns and the differences between message content and information gain.

Key concepts:

• initial interaction
• intercultural
• Chinese culture
• social structure
• relationship development
• interview
• topic sequencing
• information
• rules