Linkage and Valence

Linkage

Linkage is 'diminishing the individual's perceived causal role
in producing the event' (Hill and Baer, 1994). A linkage excuse reduces the perception of blame.

We tend to think in terms of a connected world, with cause and effect between the individual elements. Hence if a person is associated with some action in any way, it is easy to infer that they were somehow to blame.

Accused people know of this linking effect and will hence try to dissociated themselves from the place, the people, the actions and the events around the disapproved action.

Linkage excuses include:

Denial: I didn't do it.

Deflection: Pointing the finger elsewhere.

Explaining: Extenuating circumstances.

Valence

Valence is 'diminishing the perceived negative consequence of the act' (Hill and Baer, 1994). A valence excuse reduces the perception of harm.

When we are accused of something, we will immediately start thinking of the 'so what' consequences, in particular how we might be punished. We hence use excuses to reduce the chance of such negative consequences occuring.

Valence excuses include:

Minimization: Making a big thing seem small.

Justification: It was the right thing to do.

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Linkage and Valence

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