MY TOP 5: THE EXPECTANCY VIOLATIONS THEORY

By: Tristen Dewar

WHAT?

1. My theory is the expectancy violations theory. The expectancy violations theory or EVT looks at an individual’s reaction when their expectations are violated, specifically in nonverbal communication within an interaction.

WHO?

2. The expectancy violations theory is mostly seen within social interactions like relationships, friendships, or even online encounters. Judee Burgoon and Steven Jones designed this theory to show how changes in personal space and distance can affect interpersonal communication interactions.

SO WHAT?

3. It allows us to be more aware of how we are nonverbally communicating with our body movements, facial expressions, eye contact and personal space.

CRITICISMS

4. One criticism about the topic is that most expectancy violations outcomes are unnecessarily negative. Another common complaint is that interactions between humans are too complex and more conditions should be considered; it also makes prediction of outcomes much harder and almost impossible.

PRESENTER’S CHOICE

5. A lot of the studies done in the expectancy violations theory are about dating or friendships and even teacher-student relationships so any social interaction.