Abstract
To identify sources of error in observation of nonverbal behavior was the purpose of this study. This type of information is an invaluable aid in improving clinical training and practice. 6 male and 6 female undergraduates each recorded, on a four-channel event recorder, 4 1800-sec. interviews (recorded on video and audio tapes) in which two males' leg movements and pauses, and two females' hand movements and “ah's” were observed. With observational accuracy measured by judges' frequency of response, a three-factor (8 sessions, 3 600-sec. intervals per session, sex of judges) analysis of variance and individual paired comparisons indicated that type of session, time within the session (earlier vs later), and a sex-mode-related judge-interviewee pattern all were relevant to recording accuracy. Interpretation of the two major findings, higher judges' response during the earlier stages of the sessions and greater accuracy by judges when observing their own sex, was discussed.
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