Show, Don't Tell: Testing Validity of Micro-Level Nonverbal Behaviours, and the Moderating Effect of Exposure to Online Interaction

Abstract

Abstract This thesis aims to study nonverbal behaviours, more specific micro-level nonverbal behaviours (NBs). The research question is to test the validity of the videos expressing channelized micro-level nonverbal behaviours in the mother project. Secondary aim is to study the moderating effect of Online Exposure on the relationship between micro-level nonverbal behaviour and positive Affect. The design of the primary aim was an in-between group design. Method of testing validity was coding thin slices of videos, and a number of 15 coders from the Bachelor of Psychology contributed as coders. The study found indications of high validity in the conditioned videos, meaning that coders found videos to express channelized nonverbal behaviours. For the secondary aim a survey was conducted, including 78 participants, to study the moderating effect of online exposure on the relationship between nonverbal behaviours and how positive they perceived the experimenter. The study found no effect of the exposure to online interactions. Further studies are needed.