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Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
[Studies regarding the goals of indirect request].
Makoto Hirakawa1, Hiromi Fukada, Ryota Tsukawaki
1Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8524, Japan. mhirakawa@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Shinrigaku Kenkyu : the Japanese Journal of Psychology
|April 21, 2012
Summary
People use indirect requests to manage impressions, avoid refusal, and ensure requests are effective, but not out of concern for the listener. These communication strategies serve practical social goals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Social Psychology
Context:
- Indirect requests are common in everyday communication.
- Understanding the motivations behind indirect requests is crucial for effective interpersonal interactions.
Purpose:
- To identify the underlying goals that drive the use of indirect requests.
- To investigate the relationship between these goals and the actual use of indirect requests.
Summary:
- Study 1 identified five potential goals for indirect requests: concern for the listener, making an effective request, avoidance of explicit refusal, self-impression management, and conveyance of indebtedness.
- Study 2 confirmed that making an effective request, avoiding explicit refusal, self-impression management, and conveying indebtedness positively influence the use of indirect requests.
- Concern for the listener did not significantly affect the use of indirect requests.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that indirect requests are primarily driven by pragmatic and social considerations rather than altruistic ones.
- This research provides valuable insights into the strategic use of language in social contexts.
- Understanding these motivations can improve communication strategies and reduce misunderstandings.
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