Chapter 07 – Expectancy Violations Theory
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Chapter 07
Expectancy Violations Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
1. According to Burgoon, “an invisible, variable volume of space surrounding an individual
which defines individual’s preferred distance from others” is known as
2. Social distance usually ranges from _____ to _____.
3. Which of the following spatial zones is described as typically being reserved for family and
close friends?
4. All of the following statements about Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) are true
EXCEPT
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17. Athena isn’t usually bothered by distance violations of others, which is something Artemis
cannot understand. When someone comes within a distance, Artemis considers too close for
comfort, she becomes angry and starts inching away from the person. Athena and Artemis
differ greatly in their
18. _____ requires making sense of an unexpected behavior through interpretation and
evaluation.
19. _____ includes the way people use space in their conversations as well as perceptions of
another’s use of space.
20. Which of the following is a relational factor that influences a person’s expectations?
True/False Questions
21. Expectancy violations are always evaluated negatively.
22. We frequently lay claim to various spatial areas that we want to protect or defend.
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23. If we like a person, it is likely that we will positively evaluate most violations of
expectancies.
24. Pre-interactional expectations refer to a person’s ability to carry out the interaction itself.
25. Personal distance typically ranges from 0 to 18 inches.
26. Territory that is the exclusive domain of an individual is known as primary territory.
27. Cultural norms may influence our expectancies.
28. When arousal occurs, we tend to pay more attention to the message in order to understand
the source of the arousal.
29. Expectancy Violations Theory is often criticized because it has not led to research on a
variety of topics.
30. Hall found it interesting that when U.S. citizens found themselves in intimate surroundings
with intimate partners, they often attempted to create a nonintimate experience.
Essay Questions
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37. How would you go about testing Expectancy Violations Theory with respect to an area of
nonverbal communication other than use of space? Provide a hypothesis or research question,
and describe how you would go about studying that particular nonverbal phenomenon.
Answers will vary.
38. How would you go about testing Expectancy Violations Theory with respect to an area of
verbal communication? Provide a hypothesis or research question, and describe how you would
go about studying that particular verbal phenomenon.
Answers will vary.
39. Generally speaking, we tend to associate the term “violation” with negative consequences.
According to Expectancy Violations Theory, are violations always bad? Is it possible for
violations to be perceived in a positive way? Why or why not? In your response, be sure to
support your position with information from the text and use an example to illustrate your
thesis.
Answers will vary.
Commented [MPS1]: AQ: Should it be changed to “Is it
possible to perceive violations in a positive way”? Please
check and suggest.