The alpha phase : when and how interactions are initiated, limited or avoided
Date
1986
Authors
Mullett, Jennifer
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Abstract
This thesis presents a model of a functional view of social interaction, focussing on how an encounter with another person is managed, that is, how our initial behaviour initiates, limits, or suppresses a subsequent interaction. The model proposed that (a) there are different degrees of relationship in interactions, and these must be established mutually and (b) the degree of relationship is established by a pattern of dyadic behaviours in a temporal phase, the alpha phase at the beginning of an interaction.
These dyadic behaviours were studied experimentally. Three different situations were created by giving pairs of strangers, all females, one of three different tasks, each of which would implicitly dictate a certain degree of relationship: (1) working on a puzzle with someone else, (2) working individually on two separate puzzles, or (3) working individually on two separate puzzles while under time pressure. The model predicted that the alpha phase for the three different tasks would follow three different patterns, by which each dyad would establish its relationship. The interactions of the pairs were videotaped and then analyzed by microanalysis of synchrony methods. Results supported the model. The pattern of behaviours differed significantly in magnitude, timing and duration for each of the three conditions in the alpha phase. Experimental insights are discussed and further studies suggested.