Decoding skills in nonverbal communication and perceived interviewer effectiveness

Abstract

Examined the relationship between decoding ability in nonverbal communication and characteristic verbal and nonverbal behavior of beginning counselors during interviews. There were 17 "good" decoders and 17 "poor" decoders who conducted short interviews with a client; the decoders were assessed by the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity. Interviewer behavior was rated subjectively by the client as well as objectively by 2 trained observers who counted the occurrences of certain verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Comparison of good and poor decoders revealed no significant differences between groups on the 2 multivariate sets of ratings for clients and observers. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1980 American Psychological Association.