Oculesics Flashcards

Oculesics Overview

• Oculesics refers to the use of eye contact to express attitudes, feelings, and emotions.
• Eye contact is a crucial component of non-verbal communication.

Blinking

• Blinking can indicate concentration levels and relate to mental health.
• Frequent blinking may signal stress or discomfort.

Eye Rings

• Eye rings are most commonly observed in animals, such as raccoons, and serve as distinguishing features.
• In humans, eyebrows are considered residual eye rings, contributing to facial expression.

Eye Color Research

• A study by WORTHY in 1974 explored the behavioral characteristics associated with various eye colors.
• Eye color might influence perceptions and social interactions.

Areas of Research in Oculesics

• Two main areas of research include:
  • Gazing behavior, which examines how gaze patterns change in social contexts.
  • Pupil dilation and constriction, linked to emotional responses.

Mutual Gaze

• Mutual gaze involves individuals looking directly at each other's faces, often establishing a connection or indicating attentiveness.

Eye Contact

• Defined as looking directly into another person's eyes or eye ring, it plays a significant role in establishing rapport and communication.

Fractional Glance

• A fractional glance entails directing one’s gaze towards the direction another person is looking, useful for monitoring movement and context in communication.

Functions of Gazing

• Four primary functions of gazing include:
  • Regulating the flow of communication.
  • Monitoring feedback from others.
  • Expressing emotions non-verbally.
  • Communicating the nature of interpersonal relationships.

Ekman's Universal Facial Expressions

• Paul Ekman identified seven universal facial expressions that convey emotions:
  • Surprise
  • Fear
  • Disgust
  • Anger
  • Happiness
  • Sadness
  • Contempt
• These expressions are recognized across different cultures, highlighting the universality of emotional expression through facial cues.