Abstract
An attempt is made to survey research on nonverbal behavior performed by German speaking “Expression Psychologists.” In this first part of a series of articles (other parts will cover research on facial expression, body movement, and speech and voice) theories and concepts of this nearly unknown branch of psychology are reviewed and discussed. Topics include the nature of expressive behavior, the relation between states/traits and expressive behavior, and the perception of expressive behavior.
... we should now concentrate on searching for new avenues of approach, particularly in the study of human social communication, without worrying too much about rigid conformity with the canons of experimental respectability. We need more ideas, not more experiments; any provocative theory would be preferable to the inductive collecting of bits and pieces that has become our respectable habit. (Israel & Tajfel, 1972, p. 4)
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Editor's Note: The subsequent three parts of this series, to be published in consecutive issues of theJournal, further explore this area of theory and research often little known to American psychologists. Comments and contributions about the series are welcomed.
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Asendorpf, J., Wallbott, H.G. Contributions of the German “Expression Psychology” to nonverbal communication research. J Nonverbal Behav 6, 135–147 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987063
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987063