Does speech matter? Effects of perceived personal characteristics in trust game

Abstract

Emerging literatures have attempted to show how characteristics help to shape economic behaviour. We aim to value add to the existing literature by exploring how speech as a distinct characteristic between individual affects trust. To test the hypothesis, Nanyang Technological University students from China, Malaysia and Singapore were recruited to participate in our research. We incorporated the accent aspect into the Trust Game which is programmed using z-Tree. Participants were exposed to various speakers of different genders and accents in a randomised order before making their decisions. Our finding suggests that individuals are more trusting towards individuals perceived of same nationality. We also find that men are more trusting and women are more trustworthy. A follow up experiment was conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms that drive gender and nationality. Results suggest that belief was not the channel in affecting trust. However, sincerity as a speech attribute is a possible mechanism in driving trust.