EXPECTANCY VIOLATIONS THEORY

Summary

In this video, Alivio discusses the Expectancy Violation Theory, which explores how individuals form expectations regarding verbal and nonverbal communication. Key concepts include social and idiosyncratic expectations shaped by context, relationships, and the physical proximity of communicators. Violations of these expectations can lead to various reactions based on perceived intimacy or formality. The theory emphasizes the significance of personal and cultural norms in shaping interactions, highlighting that individuals constantly evaluate and predict behaviors during communication. Ultimately, it illustrates how expectations drive human interaction and influence perceptions of violations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Expectation Violation Theory emphasizes the importance of expectations in both verbal and nonverbal communication.
• 📚 There are two types of expectations: social expectations, which are based on cultural norms, and idiosyncratic expectations, which are specific to individual interactions.
• 👥 The actor in a conversation, including their gender, personality, and reputation, influences communication expectations.
• 💬 Relationships play a crucial role in shaping expectations; prior familiarity can lead to more relaxed interactions.
• 📏 Proxemic zones categorize physical distance in communication: intimate (0-50 cm), personal (20-120 cm), social (1.2-3.6 m), and public (over 3.6 m).
• 🔍 Violations occur when there is a mismatch between expectations and actual behaviors, especially in terms of physical or psychological proximity.
• ⚖️ People assess violations based on the context and their relationship with the interlocutor, affecting their comfort levels.
• 🧠 Cognitive arousal can occur when someone challenges our expectations, leading to increased interest or engagement.
• 🔒 The theory posits that individuals develop predictions about nonverbal behaviors that influence their interactions.
• 🔄 Overall, the theory illustrates that communication involves not only verbal exchanges but also a complex interplay of expectations and social norms.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT)?

EVT primarily focuses on how expectations in communication influence interactions and the perceptions of behavior, particularly when those expectations are violated.

What are the two types of expectations described in EVT?

The two types of expectations are pre-interactional expectations, which occur before communication, and interactional expectations, which arise during the conversation.

How do social expectations differ from idiosyncratic expectations?

Social expectations relate to cultural norms and roles in communication, while idiosyncratic expectations are unique to individual interactions, reflecting personal preferences.

What are the three variables that affect expectations in communication?

The three variables are the characteristics of the actors (communicators), the relationship between them, and the context of the interaction.

Can you explain the concept of proxemics as it relates to EVT?

Proxemics refers to the study of personal space and physical distance in communication. EVT identifies four proxemic zones: intimate, personal, social, and public, each with different implications for interaction.

What does arousal mean in the context of EVT?

Arousal in EVT refers to the heightened interest or attention a person may experience when expectations are violated during communication.

What is violation valence?

Violation valence is the perceived positive or negative value of a violation. It influences how the communicator's behavior is interpreted based on social norms.

What role does communicator reward valence play in EVT?

Communicator reward valence assesses the potential benefits or drawbacks of continuing interaction with a communicator, based on their attractiveness and the value of the conversation.

What are the three assumptions underlying EVT?

The three assumptions are: (1) expectations drive human interaction, (2) people learn expected behaviors through cultural and individual experiences, and (3) individuals can predict nonverbal behaviors based on cues.

How can understanding EVT improve communication skills?

By recognizing expectations and the potential for violations, individuals can navigate conversations more effectively, leading to improved understanding and rapport with others.