Research Methods in Politics 11

1. Research Methods in Politics11 Observation Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

2. Teaching and Learning Objectives 1. to consider the relevance of observation to Politics research 2. to critically assess the claims made for a new ‘science of body language’ 3. to consider other claims regarding the origins of body language and argue that, rather than being instinctive, body language is culturally specific and often learned 4. to consider how to systematically observe, record and interpret behaviour Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

3. Body Language • ‘over 80% of effective communication is non-verbal’(anon) • ‘A politician can never [lie] flawlessly because their body language will always give them away, psychologists say’ (BBC News 5 September 2006) Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

4. Tell-Tales: real or rehearsed? • Bill Clinton tended to bite his lip when he wanted to appear emotional . . . George W Bush walks like a bodybuilder, hanging his arms to the rear as though laden by huge muscles, to imply that he is larger than he is . . . Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

5. The terms • gestures and signs • incidental, mood, expressive, social mimicry, theatrical mimicry, technical, relic, turn-taking, postural echo, auto-contact behaviour • eye - pupils • 600 international gestures but only fifty have same meanings world-wide • fieldwork: beware of giving offence Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

6. The Argument • body language is an inconclusive indicator • few innate gestures • many common gestures but many meanings, e.g. fingers crossed • body language can be learned and exploited by political elites • self-awareness of body language may be more important than observation of other people’s Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

7. Recording and Analysing Behaviour of Groups • Video and audio recording banned at ‘public meetings’ of agencies in UK • record using match-stick figures (or better) • note posture and physical distance • record direction, frequency, forcefulness and bias of speakers • represent diagrammatically (next slide) Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

8. Diagrammatic Representation Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11

9. Questions for Discussion or Assignments 1. What significance should be attached to the observation and interpretation of body language in Politics research? 2. Review the outcome of a search on the Internet for ‘body language pictures’. Using a data projector, display and discuss your interpretation of the various catalogues of pictures from sources including the BBC 3. Record, project, discuss and analyse the non-verbal communications techniques used in the most recent wave of party political broadcasts 4. Attend a meeting of your local council or NHS trust. Note and comment on the body language displayed by the main participants when they are speaking and listening to others 5. ‘A politician can never [lie] flawlessly because their body language will always give them away’ (Collett, 2006). Discuss using examples and illustrations Research Methods in Politics Chapter 11