Psychology of Non Verbal Behaviour – Ceiling Height Study

Question 1

READ: Han, E., DeVeaux, C., Hancock, J. T., Ram, N., Harari, G. M., & Bailenson, J. N. (2024). The influence of spatial dimensions of virtual environments on attitudes and nonverbal behaviors during social interactions. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 95(6), Article 102269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102269

Our environments can have an impact on our emotional, psychological, and social functioning. Han et al.(2024) used immersive virtual reality to study the effects of a specific spatial dimension in our environment: ceiling heights. The researchers found that environments with high ceilings were associated with positive affect (emotions) and increased social behaviours in participants.  

Taking reference from the paper by Han et al. (2024), conduct a similar observational study to examine your own and others’ nonverbal behaviours (NVBs) in environments with different ceiling heights.

• Visit two public locations – one with a high ceiling and another with a low ceiling. If you are unsure of where to visit, here are a few locations you may consider:
  • High ceilings:          The      Canopy            @        Geneo at         Singapore        Science Park,  CapitaSpring Sky Garden (Green Oasis, Level 17-20), or Parkview Square lobby
• Low ceilings: Some basements of heartland malls, or basements of walkway malls linking underground MRT stations

• Examine the similarities and/or differences in (i) how you feel emotionally (your affect), (ii) your NVBs, and (iii) the NVBs of other people interacting with the environment and/or with one another between these two locations.
• At each location, find a spot to conduct your observation. The recommended duration of your observations at each location should be between 20 and 30 minutes.

Appraise the results of your observational study and answer the following research questions:

1. Would environments with high ceilings be associated with more positive affect and increased social interactions?
2. Would differences in ceiling height be associated with different NVBs?

Q1a. One-Page Research Poster

Analyse your results and support your answers with the scores obtained from each social interaction. Present your findings in a one-page research poster. Your poster should have these four headings:

1. Introduction
2. Method
3. Results
4. Discussion

Where appropriate, basic arithmetic (e.g., sums, averages) may be used. Statistical analysis is not necessary for this assessment.

Want Help Structuring Your Answers!!

Singaporean Psychology Experts

All Subjects Covered

Professional Guidance

Environmental Psychology Assignment Answers

Expert Answers on Above Questions on Environmental Psychology

Would an environment with high ceilings be associated with more positive affect and increased social interactions?

Yes there is a positive association between a high ceiling environment and positive emotions such as feeling relaxed, open and comfortable. The high ceiling environment also provides greater social interaction such as more conversations, longer engagement and openness to interaction.

Would differences in ceiling height be associated with different NVBs?

Yes, ceiling height has a direct impact on nonverbal behaviour, as high ceilings offer more open body posture, increased eye contact, greater movement and more expensive gestures. Low ceilings on the other hand have restricted posture, reduced eye contact, less movement and shorter interaction and signs of discomfort or constraint.

Conclusion

The analysis leads to the conclusion that higher ceilings are good enough in promoting positive affect and socially engaging nonverbal behaviour. Lower ceilings on the other hand are associated with constrained and less interactive behaviour.

Want a Full Worked Out Answer with References?

The analysis of spatial features such as ceiling height impact on emotional responses and social behaviour requires detailed investigation on physical space impact on interpersonal interaction and individual affect. If you need detailed answers to above questions, order our experts in Singapore saying do my assignment for me to get personalised support and guidance.

Submit Your Request Here