Methodology: coding and studying nonverbal behavior

Abstract

This chapter presents material on methodological issues in the study of nonverbal behavior. Areas included are: facial and vocal behavior, kinesics, proxemics, and gaze behavior. The focus within these dimensions of nonverbal behavior is on strategies used for coding, counting, and recording the various units of analysis. Thorough treatments of specific methodological practices can be found elsewhere, especially for facial and vocal behavior. The complex conceptual issues in cataloguing nonverbal behavioral units for analysis cannot be overlooked and this chapter elucidates some of these issues particularly for kinesics, proxemics, and gaze behavior. Future researchers will enhance the research gleaned on nonverbal behavior by further development of coding and recording methods, particularly for kinesics, proxemics, and gaze behavior.