Ch. 7: Expectancy Violations Theory

Questions and Answers

Who created the Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) and why?

Judee Burgoon in 1978 as a means of examining the influence that nonverbal communication has on message production.

What is the basic premise of EVT?

People have certain expectations about the behavior of others, and EVT examines what happens when these expectations are violated.

What is proxemics?

The use of personal space in conversations.

What are the two competing needs when it comes to space?

Affiliation (the need to belong) and Personal Space (the preferred distance an individual wants with others). Signup and view all the answers

What are the four primary zones of personal space?

Intimate Distance (0-18 inches), Personal Distance (18 inches to 4 feet), Social Distance (4 to 12 feet), Public Distance (12 feet and beyond). Signup and view all the answers

What is 'territoriality' and what are the three types?

A person's ownership of an area or object, classified into Primary Territories, Secondary Territories, and Public Territories. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Primary Territories'?

The exclusive domain of an individual, usually marked to indicate ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Secondary Territories'?

Territories that signal a personal connection with an area or object but are not exclusive. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Public Territories'?

Areas that involve no personal affiliations and are open to all people. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two behaviors that accompany territoriality?

Prevention and Reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the assumptions of Expectancy Violations Theory?

Expectancies drive human interaction, are learned, and people make predictions about nonverbal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the assumption: 'expectancies drive human interaction'.

Expectancies are the cognitions about what will happen in conversations, influenced by social norms and individual idiosyncrasies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the assumption: 'expectancies are learned'.

We learn behaviors from society and interactions with others, which informs our expectations for future interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the assumption: 'people make predictions about nonverbal behavior'.

Nonverbal behavior is ambiguous and can be interpreted in various ways, which can lead to inaccuracies in predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Reward Valence'?

The positive or negative characteristics that an individual brings to an interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'reward value'?

The evaluation of behavior that is adjusted by the individual's reward value based on their potential for future rewards or punishments. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Arousal' in the context of EVT?

The consequences related to deviations from expected behaviors, causing individuals to focus more on the source than the behavior itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Threat Threshold'?

The distance at which discomfort occurs in the presence of someone who has violated your expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Violation Valence'?

The positive or negative evaluation of an expectancy violation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique of Expectancy Violation Theory?

The scope is wide but difficult to measure and test; although it has practical societal value. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT)

Developed by Judee Burgoon in 1978 to analyze nonverbal communication's impact on messages, originally titled 'Nonverbal Expectancy Violations Theory.'
EVT examines how violations of verbal and nonverbal expectations affect interpersonal interactions.

Proxemics

Refers to the use of personal space during interactions, central to EVT analysis.

Competing Needs in Space

Affiliation: The innate desire to belong to a group.
Personal Space: The variable area around an individual that defines their preferred distance from others.

Primary Zones of Personal Space (Edward Hall, 1966)

Intimate Distance: Ranges from 0-18 inches, used in intimate relationships.
Personal Distance: Ranges from 18 inches to 4 feet, typical for family and close friends.
Social Distance: Ranges from 4 to 12 feet, appropriate for casual/social settings.
Public Distance: Begins at 12 feet and extends beyond, used in formal gatherings.

Territoriality

The concept of personal ownership over an area or object.
Types include:
- Primary Territories: Exclusive areas marked to indicate ownership (e.g., personal car).
- Secondary Territories: Spaces with personal significance but not exclusive (e.g., apartment, campus).
- Public Territories: Open spaces available to all with no personal affiliation (e.g., parks, classrooms).

Territorial Behavior

Prevention: Warning behaviors to deter invasion of territory, such as symbolic markers (e.g., graffiti by gangs).
Reaction: Responses following threats to territorial access.

Assumptions of EVT

Expectancies Drive Interaction: Expectations influence how individuals interact, shaped by social norms and personal experiences.
Expectancies are Learned: Behaviors and interactions are informed by societal norms and personal history.
Predictions of Nonverbal Behavior: Nonverbal cues are ambiguous, making correct predictions challenging due to variability in interpretation.

Key Concepts

Reward Valence: The perceived value (positive or negative) an individual brings to an interaction.
Reward Value: Affects how behavior deviations are evaluated, altering perceptions based on the individual's expected future rewards or punishments.
Arousal: The heightened focus on the source of an expectancy violation, can be cognitive (awareness) or physical (distance change).

Threshold Concepts

Threat Threshold: The discomfort level experienced due to an expectancy violation, influencing social distance acceptance.
Violation Valence: Assessment of an expectancy violation as positive or negative, often influenced by the violator's perceived reward value.

Critique of EVT

Scope and Boundaries: EVT addresses various behaviors but is rooted in personal space concepts, leading to an expansive but initially narrow focus.
Clarity: Difficulties in distinguishing and measuring key concepts pose challenges to testability.
Practical Value: EVT offers insights applicable in diverse social contexts.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) with this flashcard quiz. Learn about its origin, creators, and the fundamental premises that underpin this essential theory in communication. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of nonverbal communication dynamics.