Visual behavior in a dyad as affected by interview content and sex of respondent.

Abstract

Hypotheses concerning effects of content, concealment instructions, and sex of partner upon willingness to engage in mutual glances were tested in 2X2X2X2 factorial design. 40 male and 40 female students (Ss) were interviewed by 1 graduate student of each sex (E). Interviewers gazed steadily at S while asking very personal or innocuous questions. Mutual glances were recorded and results showed: (a) Ss, when speaking, looked at E significantly more during the innocuous interview; (b) female Ss looked significantly more regardless of E's sex; (c) only sex differences were found in postexperimental discussion; and (d) female Ss were more affectionate and inclusion oriented. Results are discussed in terms of motives to conceal, cathect, and/or reduce distractions. Mediating effects of personality variables are suggested. This study reports results from an investigation of factors which affect visual interaction, i.e., looks and glances, in groups and dyads. Cherry (1957) points out that there is no communication without system of signs, and that sign can be denned as any physical event used in communication, i.e., a natural or conventional motion used instead of words to convey information [p. 7]. Since looking at or away from another is natural motion and since people characteristically read meanings into such fixations or avoidances, we assume that visual interaction is form of nonverbal communication. There is evidence that visual interaction will lend itself to study of nonverbal com