Persuasive linguistic devices in anonymous vs. identified computer supported groups: an exploratory study

An exploratory study was conducted to examine the differences in the use of persuasive linguistic devices used by anonymous and identified groups communicating electronically in order to achieve consensus on a jury decisionmaking task. Anonymous groups were found to cooperate together to create character identities for themselves, to make more errors of factual information and to request compromises directly. Further, anonymous groups were more jlexible, and used a wider variety of linguistic devices than did ident$ed groups. Identified groups used persuasive arguments and polling as the primary means of reaching consensus. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed.