Overview
This lecture covers Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT), its core concepts, how expectancy is formed, and the outcomes when expectations are violated in communication.
Introduction to Expectancy Violation Theory
- EVT explains how people respond when their expectations in social interactions are violated.
- Developed by Judee Burgoon in the field of communication studies.
Key Concepts of EVT
- Expectancies are what people predict will happen in communication, not necessarily what they desire.
- Violations occur when behavior differs from what is expected in a particular context.
- The theory focuses on both verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors.
Forming Expectancies
- Expectancies are shaped by social norms, previous experiences, and the specific situation.
- They are influenced by factors like culture, relationship, context, and individual traits.
Outcomes of Expectancy Violations
- When violated, people interpret the meaning and assess the reward potential of the violator.
- Positive violations may improve perceptions of the communicator; negative violations may harm impressions.
- The response depends on whether the violation is seen as positive or negative.
Applications and Implications
- EVT helps explain reactions in situations like personal space invasions or unexpected compliments.
- Useful in understanding misunderstandings and successful communication strategies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Expectancy — Anticipation of how others will behave during an interaction, based on norms and past experiences.
- Violation — An unexpected behavior that differs from what is anticipated.
- Reward Valence — The perceived value of the violating individual to the observer.
- Communicator Valence — The positive or negative attributes assigned to the person who commits the violation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review case studies where EVT is applied in real communication scenarios.
- Read the assigned textbook chapter on Expectancy Violation Theory.