Trust vs. Confidence

Abstract

This short theoretical paper works to distinguish the concept of trust from the concept of confidence. Although these terms are often used interchangeably and have some commonalities, this paper argues that they are different in several ways. A confidence judgement typically has a very specific referent, and is influenced by base rates and prior probabilities. A trust judgement has a broader scope and referent and is characterized by a specific lack of information, and by the need to take a "leap of faith" from what is known to what is unknown. Moreover, unlike confidence judgements (which can occur in many situation), trust is only an issue in the presence of risk, uncertainty, vulnerability and the need for interdependency with another person (Mayer et al., 1995). Without these situational antecedents, trust is not likely to come into play. In short, it is important to make a distinction between the concepts of trust and confidence.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 28, 2005
Accession Number
ADA630696

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  • Barbara D. Adams

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  • HumanSystems Incorporated

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  • Human Systems

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