Deciphering the secret code: A new methodology for the cross-cultural analysis of nonverbal behavior

Abstract

This article addresses methodological issues in the description and evaluation of nonverbal behavior (NVB) in cross-cultural studies. Videos containing cultural samples of NVB are of little use when analyzing the effects of NVB across cultures. Since video recordings confuse visible behavior with the physical appearances of the actors, they are likely to activate stereotypes derived from hints about an actor's culture and ethnicity that override the effects of the observed NVB. As a solution for this problem, we suggest here a unified computerized method for the transcription and experimental simulation of NVB. This approach makes use of advanced 3-D animation tools to generate detailed protocols of NVB that can be used to generate culture-free stimulus materials using standardized virtual characters. Copyright 2008 Psychonomic Society, Inc.