NONVERBAL VIOLATION PROJECT

Nonverbal Violation Project

Nonverbal Violation Project

Expectancy Violations Theory

Communication occurs during the exchange of information, and this communication can be either verbal or nonverbal. Individuals have preconceived notions (or expectancies) of how others should act. When others violate the expectations of another, either positively or negatively, individuals will respond in specific ways (Burgoon et al., 1989).

The Expectancy Violation Theory looks at how individuals react to the communication of others. Either communication is reinforced in a positive manner (i.e. smiling, agreeing, eye contact, etc.) or a negative manner (i.e. frowning, creating a physical distance, etc.). We learn what we consider ...