The power of precise numbers: A conversational logic analysis

The role of conversational processes in quantitative judgment is addressed. In three studies, precise numbers (e.g., $29.75) had a stronger influence on subsequent estimates than round numbers (e.g., $30), but only when they were presented by a human communicator whose contributions could be assumed to observe the Gricean maxims of cooperative conversational conduct. Numeric precision exerted no influence when the numbers were presented as the result of an automated procedure that lacks communicative intent (Study 1) or when the level of precision was pragmatically irrelevant for the estimation task (Study 2). •Precise numbers ($29.75) influence estimates more than round numbers (e.g., $30).•But precision only matters when consistent with Gricean conversational norms.•That is, when relevant to the task and presented by a human communicator