ABSTRACT
Messages are often biased. Whether these messages are produced by acquaintances, coworkers, governments, or the mass media, social actors believe they can identify biases in them. Not only do they feel they can identify distortions, but they also believe they can correct those distortions, arriving at a more accurate understanding of the messages’ referents than if they relied on the messages unreflectively. Hewes and Planalp (1982) called this process of correcting for biases “second-guessing.” This chapter describes this process and its implications for communication theory. In addition, it presents a theory of second-guessing that specifies its antecedents and consequences. Included is a review of the relevant literature, suggesting facets of the theory that need further testing and new areas of application.
