Attentional and Mental Workload Demands in Nonverbal Communication

Abstract

The present study applied assumptions of attention and working memory theories to tasks involving nonverbal (NV) communication. Thirty-six undergraduates interviewed for a job. Both type of interview (rote and improvisational) and type of observation (passive and active) were manipulated within groups. Participants were expected to observe fewer NV behaviors and indicate greater workload after active improvisational interviews. The results showed that participants detected fewer NV behaviors and reported higher mental workload when required to simultaneously participate in an interview and observe the interviewer, and particularly when they needed to improvise responses. These findings suggest that the ability to observe and possibly assess another’s NV behaviors may be compromised when engaged in an active conversation.