title: When can we say 'if'?
abstract: In this study, we focus on the conditions which permit people to assert a conditional statement of the form 'if p then q' with conversational relevance. In a broadly decision-theoretic approach, also drawing on hypothetical thinking theory [Evans, J. St. B. T. (2007). Hypothetical thinking: Dual processes in reasoning and judgement. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.], we predicted that conditional tips and promises would appear more useful and persuasive and be more likely to encourage an action p when (a) the conditional link from p to q was stronger, (b) the cost of the action p was lower and (c) the benefit of the consequence q was higher. Similarly, we predicted that conditional warnings and threats would be seen as more useful and persuasive and more likely to discourage an action p when (a) the conditional link from p to q was stronger, (b) the benefit of the action p was lower and (c) the cost of the consequence q was higher. All predictions were strongly confirmed, suggesting that such conditionals may best be asserted when they are of high relevance to the goals of the listener.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Thinking and Language, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, England, UK. jevans@plymouth.ac.uk
authors.forename: Jonathan St B T
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Neilens
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Handley
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Over
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D012660:Semantics; D013067:Speech Perception; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D014825:Vocabulary