6.4.5 self-Quiz: Test Your Deception Acceptance

Test Your Deception Acceptance

People vary widely in the degree to which they think deception is an acceptable and appropriate form of verbal communication. To test your deception acceptance, check each statement that you agree with. Then total your checks and compare the result to the scoring key.

1. You should never tell anyone the real reason you did something unless it is useful to do so.
 2. It is okay to lie to achieve your goals.
 3. What people don't know can't hurt them.
 4. The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear.
 5. It is often better to lie than to hurt someone's feelings.

 6. There is nothing wrong with lying as long as you don't get caught.
 7. In some situations, lying can be the most ethical thing to do.
 8. Honesty isn't always the best policy.
 9. There are many instances in which lying is justified.
 10. Lying can sometimes solve problems more effectively than telling the truth.

Note: This Self-Quiz is adapted from the lie acceptability scale developed by Levine, McCornack, and Baldwin Avery (1992).