Application Paper 1: Nonverbal Codes: Appearance & Adornment Cues

Purpose: The purpose of the application papers is to assess students’ understanding of course concepts and for students to apply concepts to everyday situations. In the first application paper, students will use knowledge about methods of nonverbal research (Article 3) to conduct observations or field experiments about a category of nonverbal codes from Part II of the reader. This assignment allows student to develop and demonstrate their mastery of concepts from Unit I of the course. It will also help students to master concepts and skills necessary for success on the midterm exam and final project.

Logistics: The report should be in its final, professional form, i.e., 3 pages, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins.

Question/Assignment: For the first application paper, students should:

(1) Very briefly summarize the specific nonverbal code that you will analyze in the paper.
(2) Demonstrate this nonverbal code in action by engaging in controlled or naturalistic observations or a field experiment. You might observe others, initiate a response from others, or practice a set of skills. Please be sure to respect the rights and privacy of others. Ideally, if you have an intentional interaction, you should let others know what is going on – either prior to the activity by getting their permission to participate or after the activity by debriefing with the other person(s), depending on what is appropriate. You need not include real names or sensitive information that you or others would be uncomfortable sharing; remain sensitive in your observation and recording of events.
(3) Describe what happened and how you and the other(s) involved felt/responded.
(4) Discuss what you have learned about your nonverbal code as a result of your application and analysis. In other words, reflect on what happened and give your analysis of why.

Keep in mind that the paper is short, but also worth 100 points. To do well, the paper needs to be concise, well-written, and convey a depth of reflection and analysis.

Strong application papers will:
• Address all elements above
• Be clear and concise
• Demonstrate depth of analysis and critical/creative thinking
• Use course content correctly and where appropriate
• Provide thorough explanations (answering “how” and “why”)
• Use specifics rather than general statements or examples
• Meet the length requirements
• Avoid redundancy
• Use proper grammar and spelling