Chapter 7 Self-Quiz: Test Your Deception Acceptance

Self-Quiz: Test Your Deception Acceptance

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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, select “Yes” for each statement that you agree with and select “No” for each statement you disagree with.

Please note that your score for this activity will not be recorded unless your instructor has assigned the activity.

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

You should never tell anyone the real reason you did something unless it is useful to do so.

It is OK to lie to achieve your goals.

What people don’t know can’t hurt them.

The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear.

It is often better to lie than to hurt someone’s feelings.

There is nothing wrong with lying as long as you don’t get caught.

In some situations, lying can be the most ethical thing to do.

Honesty isn’t always the best policy.

There are many instances in which lying is justified.

Lying can sometimes solve problems more effectively than telling the truth.

Total Number of “Yes” answers:

If you selected “Yes” for 3 or fewer statements, you probably have low deception acceptance. You believe that deception is unacceptable no matter the circumstance, and you likely react extremely negatively when you find out people have lied to you.

If you selected “Yes” for 4 to 6 statements, you probably have moderate deception acceptance. You believe that deception is acceptable under certain circumstances, and you are probably more accepting when others lie to you.

If you selected “Yes” for 7 or more statements, you probably have high deception acceptance. You believe that deception is an acceptable form of behavior, and you likely use it regularly to deal with difficult communication and relationship situations.