Equivocation
Equivocation is ambiguous, indirect, or otherwise unclear communication; it “says something without really saying it.” First, we developed a method for measuring equivocation precisely and showing empirically that equivocations are not lies. Next, we conducted numerous experimental tests of our theory that equivocation is a response to dilemmas in which any direct response would lead to negative consequences. Now we are extending this theory to situations outside the lab that present similar dilemmas, including public apologies, delivering medical bad news, and writing formal legal judgments that have to describe the details of sexual assault or abuse. We have developed reliable measures to suit each of these situations.
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