US-Netherlands Cooperative Research: Misunderstanding of Cooperative and Uncooperative Actions

Washington State University, Pullman WA

Investigators

Abstract

0226575 Sheppard This two-year award for US-Dutch collaboration in social psychology involves Craig D. Parks of Washington State University and Paul van Lange of the Free University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. The objectives are to study the misperception of cooperative actions. The general purpose is to better understand how misunderstandings arise, and the impact on future behavior of having one's actions misinterpreted. The work involves three related jointly conducted studies on the misattribution processes, ignorance of diagnostic information, and the misinterpretation of a specific action as causes of misunderstanding. The studies will look at the long-term impact on interpersonal relations of misperceived motives, and will include the misconception of selfish actions.