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Non-verbal immediacy behavior in Speed Dates: Exploring Gender Differences Through
Video Analysis
Name
SNR: XXX
ANR: XXX
Tilburg University
Pre-Master’s CIS
Academic English for PM CIS (Fall): 840094-B-6
Research Seminar for PM CIS (Fall): 895001-B-6
Instructors: dr. Nadine Braun, Diana Schmalzried, dr. Julia Nolte, dr. Schuyler Laparle,
dr. Elçin Hanci, dr. Mincheol Shin, dr. Ruben Vromans (supervisor),
WA2/Individual Assignment (Contrastive Analysis)
11 December 2023
1,267 words
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Technology Statement
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grammar? Please name them. DeepL
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aspects of your thesis? If so, please name them.
By submitting our group assignment for assessment, I confirm that:
1. The assignment is my own intellectual property and that ideas as well as language
from other sources have been properly cited, referenced, and quoted.
2. I have disclosed any technology that I may have used in the writing process.
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Reflection
During writing this research paper, I encountered several obstacles. The first problem I had
to deal with was defining my topic. Due to my broad subject, it was difficult to write a study
that tested a specific dependent variable. Moreover, I found it difficult to imagine what the
final research study should look like, because of the limited guidance and examples
provided. During the feedback session for WA1, I received several comments to further
substantiate statements and seek additional sources. After searching for more reliable
information, I came across several sources that focused on a different topic. Because of this,
I decided to change my topic. However, this decision came with the drawback of limited
benefit from the feedback moments during the Academic English lectures. I solved this by
asking my fellow students for feedback again.
Another struggle I encountered was including all the necessary parts in my research.
Sometimes I got stuck, but to deal with this, I tried the strategy of taking breaks and
revisiting the work from a new perspective a few days later.
In the future, I would like to have a more defined direction for my research, enabling me to
concentrate on a specific subject from the beginning without losing time.
My writing process has improved, because it became easier for me to create sentences with
academic language. After reading several academic research studies, I became more used to
the writing style, and it became easier to express the ideas in my own research paper with
academic language. By receiving a lot of feedback and refining the text several times, my
writing product has improved throughout the semester.
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Abstract
The present study investigates differences in the use of non-verbal immediacy behavior
between men and women in speed date videos, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping
first impressions, expressing feelings, and influencing attraction. The dataset comprises
interactions of 50 couples of opposite-sex heterosexual individuals interacting in the speed
dating show The Button. Subsequently, non-verbal cues known to be associated with love,
liking, sexual attraction, and dominance were systematically counted. Results showed
multiple non-verbal behaviors produced by both genders to express romance, with women
exhibiting a higher frequency of non-verbal immediacy behavior compared to men. The
focus on the first 60 seconds of each speed date provides a concentrated analysis of initial
romantic interactions. Future research should expand the number of cues to better account
for the wide variety of possible non-verbal immediacy behaviors. Besides, consideration of
multiple coders could enhance the validity. Despite these limitations, this study contributes
valuable insights into the complexities of non-verbal communication in romantic contexts,
emphasizing its relevance for understanding interpersonal dynamics during initial
encounters.
