Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman entities, objects, or concepts. In writing, it can create ambiguity or misleading communication.
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The study concluded that increased screen time contributed to children's inability to perform higher-order cognitive tasks.
lightbulbThis phrasing suggests that the study, an inanimate object, can draw conclusions.
The researchers concluded that increased screen time contributed to children's inability to perform higher-order cognitive tasks.
lightbulbBy changing "The study concluded" to "The researchers concluded," we're correctly attributing the action to the humans who performed the analysis and drew the conclusions. This is more accurate and aligns with APA guidelines for avoiding anthropomorphism.
There are some commonly accepted phrases that include anthropomorphism but don’t lead to confusion.
Groups that could fall into the exception include:
However, avoid ascribing actions to entire organizations when it is important to understand which specific people within the organization performed the action.
The factory walked out on strike.
lightbulbThe reader might wonder who in the factory was involved in this event. Was it all employees?
All nonmanagement employees of the factory walked out on strike.
lightbulbBy stating that “all nonmanagement employees” were involved in this strike, we have provided more clarity for the reader about who was involved in this event.
Verbs that can be used in these cases without creating confusion include:
See APA 7, Section 4.11 for more information.
However, other kinds of actions can be unclear when paired with theories, studies, results, and other aspects of research.
The theory concluded that transformational leadership style influences follower job satisfaction.
The theorists concluded that transformational leadership style influences follower job satisfaction
lightbulbBy changing "The theory concluded” to “The theorists concluded," we're correctly attributing the action to the humans who performed the work and came to these conclusions. This is more accurate and clearer for the reader.
The use of anthropomorphism can reduce the clarity of writing.
Some phrases like “results suggest” are exceptions and still acceptable in academic writing.
When in doubt, revise for clarity so who or what is performing the action is clear.
OASIS