What is Expectancy Violation Theory?
Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT) is a social psychological theory that explains how people react to unexpected or unexpected behaviors from others. Developed by Edward Jones and Victor Harris in the 1960s, EVT posits that our reactions to others’ behavior are influenced by the extent to which it violates our expectations about how others should behave in a given situation.
What are Expectations?
According to EVT, expectations are our beliefs about how others will behave in a particular situation. These expectations can be based on our past experiences, cultural norms, and social roles. We tend to form expectations about others’ behavior based on their characteristics, such as their age, gender, social status, and personality.
What is Expectancy Violation?
Expectancy violation occurs when someone’s behavior deviates from our expectations. This can happen when someone behaves in a way that is unexpectedly friendly, polite, or courteous, or when they behave in a way that is unexpectedly rude, impolite, or inhospitable.
The Consequences of Expectancy Violation
The consequences of expectancy violation depend on the nature of the violation and the individual’s emotional state. When our expectations are met, we tend to feel satisfied and content. However, when our expectations are violated, we tend to experience surprise, shock, or even anger.
The Effect of Expectancy Violation on Social Interactions
EVT suggests that expectancy violations can have a significant impact on social interactions. When someone’s behavior is unexpected, it can alter our perception of them and influence our behavior towards them. For example, if someone is unexpectedly rude to us, we may be more likely to avoid them in the future.
Types of Expectancy Violations
EVT identifies two types of expectancy violations: incongruity and deviance.
- Incongruity: This occurs when someone’s behavior is unexpected because it does not fit with our existing knowledge or schema. For example, if someone we know as a shy person suddenly becomes outgoing and confident, this would be an incongruity.
- Deviance: This occurs when someone’s behavior is unexpected because it goes against social norms or conventions. For example, if someone breaks a rule or engages in behavior that is considered taboo, this would be deviance.
The Role of Attractiveness in Expectancy Violation
Research has shown that attractive people are more likely to engage in expectancy violations than unattractive people. This is because attractive people are often seen as having more social freedom and flexibility, which allows them to behave in ways that are unexpected or unconventional.
The Impact of Culture on Expectancy Violation
EVT suggests that culture plays a significant role in shaping our expectations and reactions to expectancy violations. Different cultures have different norms and values, which can influence our expectations about how others should behave. For example, in some cultures, it is considered polite to engage in loud and boisterous behavior, while in other cultures, it is considered rude.
Conclusion
Expectancy Violation Theory is a powerful tool for understanding how we react to others’ behavior. By recognizing that our reactions are influenced by our expectations and the extent to which they are violated, we can gain a deeper understanding of social interactions and improve our relationships with others.
Key Takeaways
- Expectancy Violation Theory suggests that our reactions to others’ behavior are influenced by the extent to which it violates our expectations.
- Expectations are based on our past experiences, cultural norms, and social roles.
- Expectancy violations can have a significant impact on social interactions and alter our perception of others.
- There are two types of expectancy violations: incongruity and deviance.
- Attractive people are more likely to engage in expectancy violations than unattractive people.
- Culture plays a significant role in shaping our expectations and reactions to expectancy violations.
Table: Types of Expectancy Violations
| Type of Expectancy Violation | Description |
|---|---|
| Incongruity | Unexpected behavior that does not fit with our existing knowledge or schema. |
| Deviance | Unexpected behavior that goes against social norms or conventions. |
Table: Factors that Influence Expectancy Violation
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Attractiveness | Attractive people are more likely to engage in expectancy violations than unattractive people. |
| Culture | Different cultures have different norms and values, which can influence our expectations about how others should behave. |
| Social Roles | Our social roles, such as age, gender, and social status, can influence our expectations about how others should behave. |
I hope this article helps you understand the Expectancy Violation Theory better.
