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Target and observer differences in the acceptance of questionable apologies.
Jane L Risen1, Thomas Gilovich
1Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. jlr97@cornell.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|March 14, 2007
Summary
People perceive apologies differently based on their role. Observers distinguish between sincere and insincere apologies, but those receiving them do not.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Apologies are crucial social rituals for repairing harm and maintaining relationships.
- The perception of an apology's sincerity can significantly impact its effectiveness.
- Previous research has not fully explored the differential perspectives of apology givers and receivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether individuals differentiate between sincere and insincere apologies.
- To examine if targets of apologies perceive them differently than observers.
- To identify the psychological and social mechanisms underlying these perceptual differences.
Main Methods:
- Five studies were conducted involving staged offenses and apologies.
- Participants acted as either targets receiving apologies or observers witnessing them.
- Apologies varied in spontaneity (spontaneous vs. coerced) and context (apology vs. no apology).
Main Results:
- Observers differentiated between spontaneous (sincere) and coerced (insincere) apologies.
- Targets of apologies did not reliably distinguish between spontaneous and coerced apologies.
- Motivations for positive self-presentation and self-enhancement, along with social script adherence, explained the target-observer discrepancy.
Conclusions:
- A significant difference exists in how apology targets and observers evaluate sincerity.
- Social motivations and adherence to communication norms influence apology perception.
- Understanding these differing perspectives is key to improving apology effectiveness in social interactions.
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