Attributional Impact of Linguistic Masking Devices

It has been argued that linguistic masking devices can create different versions of reality. This study investigated whether systematic language shifts using three of these lower level devices (permutation, truncation, and generalization) influenced people’s perceptions. One hundred and ninety-three students participated in an attribution experiment in which each person read a brief news story based on an actual Navy clash between South and North Korea. A 2×2×2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that serial prominence, abstract language, and truncation produced greater attributions of responsibility as well as influenced impressions of aggressiveness and status. The results confirmed that linguistic masking holds consequences for perceived reality. The study concludes with a discussion of practical implications for news reporting and writing.