Causal Questions and Answers in Norm Coordination
Implicit norms shape how people interpret causal questions and what answers they consider appropriate. Answering a why-question requires inferring the questioner’s assumptions.
THE IDEA
Causal Questions and Answers
Norms shape how people interpret causal questions and choose answers. Consider a routine conversational exchange: A questioner, whom we call Quentin (Q), asks a Why question and receives an answer from Ann (A). An example might be:
Q: "Why did Joan pass this math exam?" A: "She used the Brown textbook."
We focus on two issues: (1) the inferences that A must make about Q’s norms to interpret a Why question, and (2) the constraints that this interpretation of the question places on appropriate answers.
When to use it
In a workplace performance review, a manager might ask 'Why did the project fail?' The answer (e.g., lack of resources) reflects the manager's norms about project success.
In legal arguments, a lawyer's why-question can reveal implicit assumptions about what is normal behavior.
In everyday conversations, recognizing the norms behind why-questions can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Joan's Math Exam
Q: "Why did Joan pass this math exam?" A: "She used the Brown textbook." The answer provides a cause (using the textbook) that presumably contrasts with a norm (e.g., maybe she usually fails or uses a different textbook).
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How might the choice of a why-question imply what the questioner considers to be the norm?
In the example, what norms might the questioner be assuming about Joan's exam performance or study methods?
How can understanding norm coordination help in interpreting causal statements in different contexts?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Heuristics and Biases The Psychology of Intuitive Judgment (Thomas Gilovich, Dale Griffin, Daniel Kahneman)