Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Psychology

Mentor

Dr. Iva Naydenova

Abstract

Understanding both how we perceive others and how others perceive us through social situations is vital for improving communication and thus improving relational connections. Successful interactions with people are crucial in many circumstances, especially in interview-type situations, due to the creation of cognitive biases upon such interactions. Whether the goal is to impress a hopeful romantic partner, interview for a job, negotiate a raise, interview for a scholarship, or any number of various reasons to strive for a successful social interaction, understanding how information about the people we meet and connect with is extremely important. Many cognitive examinations have been conducted to explain the exact processes that occur when we meet people; however, for the common person, these scholarly explanations can cause confusion. While visual social cues are often confusing, they are one of the most practical representations of characteristics that, when correctly examined, can lead to fairly accurate conclusions about a person, or at least a specific circumstance. As such, a two-part qualitative and quantitative analysis of nonverbal behavior was enacted to investigate the factors that influence physical movements. Understanding these factors can allow for better approaches to social interactions that give way to social marketing. Social marketing, or the use of persuasion for the benefit of society is a practice that is often utilized incorrectly. Therefore, understanding the various aspects of nonverbal behavior and the psychological state it represents situationally gives the ability for better conversational approaches. Strengthening social interactions through body language is a necessary progression.

Comments

Even though this work is a thesis, it is a practical work. The purpose of this writing is to provide useful information for the common person on body language and social interactions. A lot of the works on nonverbal behavior are written from a highly theoretical and academic perspective. However, this work aims to bring information that is useful in daily social interactions to every social circle. The more people know about strengthening conversations through body language, the more successful interactions will take place throughout society.

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