Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


BGSU_Dissertations_0065_Baudhuin.pdf (7.98 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Obscene Language and Persuasive Communication: An Experimental Study

Baudhuin, E. Scott
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1554464085298498

Abstract Details

1970, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Communication Studies.
The purpose of the research was to explore the effects of a type of communicative behavior which has stimulated little scientific investigation in the past. Although numerous essays outlining a psychological theory of obscene language were re­ported in the literature, little empirical evidence regarding the effects of obscene language in a persuasive communication has been reported. The present study was designed to add empirical evidence to the theoretical positions outlined by psychologists, sociologists, and linguistic scholars regarding the effects of obscene language. Specifically, the present research investigated the com­bined effects of obscene language and source credibility in a persuasive communication. Taped persuasive messages advocat­ing the retention of capital punishment were utilized with "high," "low," or "no" obscene language included in the com­munication. The sources of the communication included a male or female speaker introduced as either a "high credibility," or "low credibility" source. Prior to the experimental ses­sions, subJects were given a pretest of opinion toward "capi­tal punishment." Following the experimental sessions, subjects were given posttests of opinion toward the speech concept and measurements designed to elicit perceived source credibility under three dimensions: "character," "dynamism," and "authoritativeness." The data obtained from the experiment were subJected to the following statistical analyses: (1) opinion scores were analyzed by a factorial analysis of co­variance using pretest scores as the covariate; where appropri­ate, t tests were computed to locate mean differences and sources of interaction, (2) source credibility ratings were subJected to a factorial analysis of variance and, where appropriate, were followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Tests for mean comparisons. The level of significance adopted for all statistical tests was .05. The results indicated that main effects for obscene lang­uage served as a depressor of opinion toward the speech con­cept. Main effects for source credibility revealed that the speakers introduced as a "high credibility" source were more effective than "low credibility" sources. Main effects for the sex of the source revealed that male speakers were not significantly more effective in producing opinion change than were female speakers. Main effects for the sex of the receiver resulted in no significant differences in opinion responses. Criterion measures for source credibility revealed a general source derogation syndrome "character" and "authoritativeness" components. Subjects generally evaluated the speakers using extreme obscenities as being more "dynamic." Highly signifi­cant main effect differences were found between high and low credibility sources under the authoritativeness dimension of source credibility. Generally, no significant main effect differences were found between male and female sources or receivers. In addition to significant main effect differences, numerous first-order and higher-order interactions were discovered in the data for dependent variables. A summary of the findings, discussion of main effects results and interpretation of interactions, and reconnnendations for future research were offered.
Raymond K. Tucker (Advisor)
Communication

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Baudhuin, E. S. (1970). Obscene Language and Persuasive Communication: An Experimental Study [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1554464085298498

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Baudhuin, E.. Obscene Language and Persuasive Communication: An Experimental Study. 1970. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1554464085298498.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Baudhuin, E.. "Obscene Language and Persuasive Communication: An Experimental Study." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 1970. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1554464085298498

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1554464085298498
301
This document is provided by Bowling Green State University for research and educational purposes, and may be under copyright by the author or the author's heirs. Please contact the ETD Center administrator at Bowling Green State University etd@bgsu.edu with any questions or comments. In your email, be sure to include the URL and title of the specific items you are inquiring about.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.