Nonverbal Rules & Norms

Submission Type: Word Document (brief essay)

Following exercise 3-1 from your book (p. 249), conduct ONE norm-violating activity. You can use one of the violations listed in exercise 3-1 or make up one of your own. For example, for a similar assignment in college, I sat down in the corner of an elevator, spread out some books and papers, and pretended to study for about an hour. During that time, several people got on and off the elevator and I jotted down notes about their reactions. 

Please make sure your norm-violating activity does not harm anyone or break any laws! Additionally, your norm-violation should be a nonverbal behavior. If you have any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of your activity, please contact me.

NOTE: Exercise 3-1 provides an option for completing this assignment with a classmate; this is for in-person classes only. You must complete this activity individually! 

After conducting your norm-violating experiment, write up a one-page essay in a Word document reflecting on the experience and discussing your observations. Your brief essay should contain the following (at minimum):

1.) A brief description of your norm-violating activity (what you did, where, and who was involved).

2.) A description of how the person/people reacted to your norm violation. Be specific here - what verbal and nonverbal behaviors from others did you observe after your violated a norm? Why do you think people reacted the way they did?

3.) A brief explanation of WHY this activity violates a norm. How and why did the activity violate people's expectations? How did your activity violate what is considered "normal" nonverbal behavior in our society or in the particular context?

 

Additional instructions:

· Submit your essay by Tuesday, July 11th at 11:59pm.

· As with all written assignments in this class, your essay should be double-spaced and written in Times New Roman 12 pt font with 1 inch margins.

· Remember, you are completing this activity and the essay on your own, NOT with a classmate.

· Remember, make sure your norm-violating activity is a NONVERBAL behavior and does not break any laws!