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Last updated February 19, 2001

Explanation of Theory: The body's nonverbal movements in relation to every aspect of communication. 

Theorists: Paul Ekman and Wallace Friesen

Date:1969

Primary Article: Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. (1969).  The repertoire noverbal behavior: Categories, origins, usage, and coding.  Semio 49-98.
 

Individual Interpretations: n/a

Metatheoretical Assumptions: n/a

Ontological Assumptions: n/a

Epistemological Assumptions: n/a

Axiological Assumptions: n/a
 

Critique:
The Nonverbal Typology theory is Scientific.  It is a good theory because it has the ability to predict events and provides plausible explanations for the phenomena.  The theoretical propositions within the theory are consistent with each other.  Also, the theory generates new hypotheses and organizes existing knowledge.
 

Ideas and Implications:The Nonverbal Typology theory is Scientific.  It is a good theory because it has the ability to predict events and provides plausible explanations for the phenomena.  The theoretical propositions within the theory are consistent with each other.  Also, the theory generates new hypotheses and organizes existing knowledge.

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Example:Emblems: Movements that are functionally equivalent to words.
Illustrators: Movements used in conjunction with words to assist receiver in comprehension.
Affect Displays: Movements that express emotions.
Regulators: Movements used to regulate the interaction between people.
Adaptors: Behaviors which once served a purely physical need, but have been “adapted” to serve other needs.
 
 

Relevant Research:
Burgoon, J. K. (1978). A communication model of personal space violations: Explication and an initial test. Human Communication Research, 4, 129-42.
Cronkhite, G. (1986). On the focus, scope, and coherence of the study of human symbolic activity. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 72, 231-46.
Green, J. O., O’Hair, H.D., Cody, M. J., & Yen, C. (1985). Planning and control of behavior during deception. Human Communication Research, 11, 335-64.
Related www Links and References 
http://belladonna.media.mit.edu/people/justine/disc96-topics/facial.htm
 

Location in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks:

      Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press.  203-205

     Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C. (1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. 298-300

 Griffin, E. (2000). A first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. 459-470

     Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 459-469

      Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press. 228-230

      Littlejohn, S. W. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 75-77

      West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. 389-402

       Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 321-329