Text Analysis of Function Words: Tracking social and psychological processes James W. Pennebaker The University of Texas at Austin In collaboration with: Jenna BaddeleyDavid BeaverRoger Booth Cindy ChungArt GraesserJeff Hancock Molly IrelandEwa Kaciewicz Matthias Mehl YiTai SeihYla Tausczik Funding provided by: National Science Foundation, Army Research Institute, DOD (CIFA), DHS (START), DIA
Disclaimer The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the author and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Department of Defense.
Disclaimer The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the author and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Department of Defense.
Disclaimer The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the author and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Department of Defense.
Language Areas
Function Words in English: % of total words TalkingBlogsScienceMean SD Personal pronouns Impersonal pronouns Articles Prepositions Conjunctions Auxiliary verbs Negations Quantifiers Common adverbs Total function words
Function words and psychological processes Demographics: Gender, age, social class Psychological Dimensions – Emotional state, suicidality – Cognitive complexity Social Dimensions – Honesty – Status – Aggressive intent Language Style Matching
LiveJournal.com study: Positive and negative emotion words
Function words and psychological processes Demographics: Gender, age, social class Psychological Dimensions – Emotional state, suicidality – Cognitive complexity Social Dimensions – Honesty – Status – Aggressive intent Language Style Matching
Predicting Aggressive Intent
Function words and psychological processes Demographics: Gender, age, social class Psychological Dimensions – Emotional state, suicidality – Cognitive complexity Social Dimensions – Honesty – Status – Aggressive intent Language Style Matching
Language Style Matching (LSM) Small groups – Group cohesiveness and productivity – Intimate relationships – Roles in working groups Natural entrainment – Responding to questions – Speed dating – Long-term relationships
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