What would happen if one was to, without revealing their purpose or behaveing difrently, move 1.5 feet of a person whom they dont know? What kind of reactions would the person give? Please help me this is a experiment for me sociology class. Thank you
2007-02-12 07:55:42 · 4 answers · asked by cashtikfuther 3 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
americans tend to have a tougher time letting people in their personal space. i had to do an experiment like that for one of my psychology classes in college. for extra credit we had to move into a strangers personal space such as sitting RIGHT next to a stranger on a bench or something like that. peoples reactions are really funny. alot of people moved away or gave weird looks.
2007-02-12 08:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cultural mores often determine both the personal space that a person needs to feel comfortable: not under threat.
There seems a simple logic to this. County people tends to shake hands from so far away you can hardly hear them talking. In Hong Kong people can comfortably talk while actually touching, squeezing even, together.
The more space there is around, the more space people expect to be allowed. In your situation I would expect one of three reactions. Tolerance for example if you are in an elevator or supermarket and DON'T look at or obviously touch anyone.
If you do look or touch the next possibilities may happen.
Anger! Touchy people can get VERY angry , violent even.
Lust! The rare touch of another human being may stimulate the hormones.
This is not an entirely serious answer but a suggestion to be careful not only of upsetting people who may some times be simply pleased to accept you into their personal space and you may make a friend. But be cateful.
2007-02-12 13:05:10 · answer #2 · answered by salubrious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look up stanley milgram. I think he did something like this. Americans have difference tolerances when it comes to violation of the "personal bubble" (3.0 feet). Also, prisoners and those that have a greater tendency to display antisocial behavior will have less tolerance of those violations (6-8 feet) and will react violently. Most people will just give the right away to those in violation, it has been proven that most individuals do not like confrontation. Be mindful of the other person's ability to maintain eye contact.
2007-02-12 13:35:58 · answer #3 · answered by Patrick the Carpathian, CaFO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person you moved closer to would back up and would begin to feel uncomfortable. This would probably end the conversation sooner.
2007-02-12 08:24:41 · answer #4 · answered by E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋