Eye contact & Functions

Question 1

What type of communication is eye contact?

Answer 1

Non-verbal communication

Question 2

Functions - During conversation :

Answer 2

Regulate flow of conversation: The correct timing of eye contact during a conversation indicates when leading the conversation switches to the other person with people looking away when they are speaking and looking when they are listening

Question 3

Functions - Romantically

Answer 3

Signalling attraction: Extended holding of eye contact while talking is used to ‘flirt’ to indicate attraction to the other person. It shows that you are paying attention and are interested in that other person

Question 4

Functions - Emotionally

Answer 4

Expressing emotion: The amount of eye contact in combination with facial expressions can communicate the level of emotion felt

Question 5

Argyle and Dean:

Answer 5

Previous experiments suggests that gaze is used as a cue for intimacy (Argyle and Dean, 1965)

Question 6

Exline and Winters :

Answer 6

It has been found that people look at who those they like in social settings (Exline and Winters, 1965).

Question 7

Duncan

Answer 7

Women engage in more eye contact than men (Duncan, 1969).

Women use more direct eye contact in order to make a strong connection and develop a relationship, whereas men use eye contact as a challenge of power or position

Question 8

Hall

Answer 8

Women tend to smile more when they know they’re being observed (Hall, 1984).

Women are encouraged to be more expressive than men and are expected to care for others