Individual Differences in Nonverbal Communication

PS_W02

PS_W03

PS_K03

The aim of the course is to broaden students' knowledge about the process of interpersonal communication, especially non-verbal communication. The main emphasis will be on individual differences in nonverbal communication and its importance in the interpersonal functioning.

During the course students will be provided with detailed knowledge of functions and channels of non-verbal communication, its importance in interpersonal relations and ways to measure the ability associated with non-verbal communication. Particular emphasis will be placed on the practical application of knowledge of non-verbal communication in the work of psychologist and interpersonal relationships. Students will be introduced to topics such as: using knowledge of non-verbal communication in shaping individual's image, recognizing deception, supporting the negotiation process and the increasing interpersonal attractiveness.

List of basic reading:

Buc, R. (1984). The communication of emotion. New York: The Guilford Press.

Duncan, S. Jr. (1969). Nonverbal communication. Psychological Bulletin, 72(2), Aug, 118-137.

Jones, S. E., LeBaron, C. D. (2002). Research on the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication: emerging integrations. Journal of Communication, 52(3), 522-542.

Leathers, D. (1997). Successful nonverbal communication: principles and applications. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

An additional reading list will be provided upon request of interested students.

Knowledge: student knows what is nonverbal communication; knows channels of nonverbal communication; knows the functions of nonverbal behaviors in interpersonal relationship; have a knowledge of individual differences in sending and reading nonverbal cues; knows the key theoretical models and empirical findings on nonverbal communication; knows psychometric measures of the ability of perception, recognition and understanding of nonverbal communication

Skills: student reads and interprets psychological texts devoted to nonverbal communication (in English); is able to assess whether the reported in the literature information about nonverbal communication is based on reliable and methodologically valid empirical research; can evaluate the scientific value of this study; can apply knowledge relating to nonverbal communication to psychological practice

Competencies: student is open to knowledge about nonverbal communication; accepts individual and cultural differences in nonverbal communication

ECTS:

participation in the lecture - 30

preparation for the lecture and reading texts - 55

consultations - 5

prepare for the exam - 60

Total hours 150 [150: 25 = 6]

Number of ECTS - 6

There are two conditions necessary to obtain credits:

- Attendance in lectures (allowed three absences in a semester)

- writing exam for a passing grade

Knowledge:

- for grade 2: student does not have a basic knowledge of nonverbal communication

- for grade 3: student knows the basic concepts of nonverbal communication, the channels of nonverbal communication and their functional significance; understands the basis of individual differences in nonverbal communication; however, student does not refer to specific key psychological theories and empirical research in the field of nonverbal communication

- for grade 4 : student has knowledge listed for grade 3; additionally knows the most important theoretical models and the key results of empirical research in the field of nonverbal communication

- for grade 5: student has knowledge listed for grade 4; additionally knows well research methodology in the field of nonverbal communication, including psychometric tools to measure the ability of perception, recognition and understanding of nonverbal communication

Skills:

- for grade 2: student are unable to read and interpret texts on nonverbal communication; can not assess the scientific value of the texts

- for grade 3: student independently read scientific texts on nonverbal communication but poorly interprets the available data; listens with understanding oral presentation, but is not quite able to assess the scientific value of the cited data

- for grade 4: student independently read and interpret texts on nonverbal communication, listens with understanding oral presentation and is able to assess the correctness of the methodological and epistemological value of cited data; understands the relationship between the scientific considerations on nonverbal communication and psychological practice

- for grade 5: student is fluent and self-reliant in reading and interpreting scientific texts in the field of nonverbal communication and draw on generalized conclusions; is able apply scientific knowledge on the ground psychological practice

Competencies:

The degree of analytical approaches to the issues of nonverbal communication and openness to individual and cultural differences in nonverbal communication will be taken under evaluation.

Students regulary participating in lectures, have right to zero exam in which they will chose one from 5 earlier known topic.

not applicable