Expectancy Violation Theory

Calie Friederichs

E.V.T. definitions?
Expectancy
What people expect will happen, rather than what they desire to happen.

Violate
To break, disregard, or infringe.

Theory
The analysis of a set of facts and their relation to one another.

Where does EVT come from?

Judy Burgoon
Communication scholar at the University of Arizona.

EVT was introduced in 1976

EVT is an extension of the Nonverbal Expectancy Violations Model
Since then Model has been dropped, leaving the Theory known as EVT.

Based off of several theories primarily focusing on communication amongst one another. Theory roots extend from the Uncertainty Reduction Theory
(The theory explains how individuals seek to reduce uncertainty between each other
during initial interactions, based on self-disclosure) 1975

What is EVT?
Relationship:
EVT looks at the communication exchange between one another and will perceive the exchange of either positive or negative depending on the relationship.

What does it do?

Violations of expectancies cause arousal which in turns compel the recipients to appraise the violations.

What makes up EVT?

EVT is based off of two components:
Proxemics: the study of distance between people as they interact Kinesics: our interpretations of body language

EVT focuses on the proper space between people and the reaction once the space is crossed, leaving EVT to fall under the category of discourse and interaction.

How EVT Works

Meet and Greet /\ Relationship is Pre-determined
(Room for deviation is left aside)

/\ Expectancies are formed /\ Reward or Punishment

By rewarding you you are deciding to allow that friendship to blossom.

By punishing you are choosing to not take part in that relationship, often by putting and end to the conversation or friendship.

Burgoon believes that reward potential moves from the background to foreground when our expectancy is violated.

Expectancy Violations are based upon what?

Was the interpretation of the behavior or nature of the violator positive or negative?
Cultural Norms: How close is too close? Can I have a double wide space bubble please? Context: Did the conversation take place in an appropriate setting?

In America, the average conversation has a space of about 2 FT --- 6 FT.

Expectation Influencing Factors

Interactant Variables: Traits of the persons involved. Sex, race, culture, status and age can all influence this. Environmental Variable: Based upon the amount of space available and the nature of the surrounding area.

Variables related to the nature: Social norms (interaction and formality of the situation) also known as Communicator Characteristics.

Other Influencing Factors

Personal features: Look the part/ Act the part

Communication: Speak on a level you wish to be associated with

EVT Thoughts
What can you do for me? What can you do to me?

We thrive off of relationships that we feel we benefit us.

Adaption
Burgoon states Human beings are predisposed to adapt to each other

Initially EVT was primarily focused on communication amongst one another. Overtime, EVT has somewhat evolved to IAT (Interaction Adaption Theory)

EVT focused on evaluating the start of the relationship, IAT focuses on our adjustment people do on their approach to ones behavior if they do not mesh with what is needed, anticipated or preferred.

Questions??
Who Developed Expectancy Violation Theory?

What three variables influence expectations?

What theory has EVT evolved into?