The Use of Language Patterns as an Indicator of Sex-Specific Cognitive Traits and International Relations

Date of Graduation

Fall 2008

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Bradley Thayer

Abstract

Males and females evolved different cognitive traits based upon sex-specific fitness. However, due to genetic complexity, each individual has a different mixture of male and female traits. Language patterns can be used as indicators of these traits. This thesis postulates that a decisionmaker can develop a profile of another decisionmaker's sex-specific cognitive traits by examining his/her language usage. By understanding the makeup of these traits, policymakers can tailor more effective negotiating strategies and strategic communications.

Keywords

evolutionary psychology, strategic communications, negotiations, language patterns, cognitive traits, psychological mechanisms, sex differences, sex-specific language usage

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Laura Walters Marsh

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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