The use of written transcripts in powerful and powerless language research

This study tested the salience of hesitations and hedges in a simulated student government situation. Subjects reported more hesitations in writing but noted more hedges on tape. Award amounts were significantly higher when powerless testimony was delivered orally rather than in writing. No similar effect was found for credibility ratings. Implications of these findings in light of the “hammer effect”; are discussed.

Notes

Larry Vinson is Assistant Professor of Communication and Theater at McNeese State University; Craig Johnson is Assistant Professor of Communication and Literature at George Fox College.