Nonverbal Behavior: Perspectives, Applications, Intercultural Insights

William Glassman is a professor of psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical
University in Toronto.

In a sense, this volume is an example of truth in advertising. The title, Nonverbal Behavior: Perspectives, Applications, Intercultural Insights, aptly describes the contents of the volume that Aaron Wolfgang has edited. The 17 contributors cover a wide range of topics, reflecting the discussions at the Second International Conference on Nonverbal Behavior, held in Toronto in May 1983.

The great advantage of a collection such as this is the opportunity to review much of the activity in the field (altogether some 1,000 references are cited). While such collections sometimes suffer from a lack of integration, that is not the case with this volume. The level of writing is for the most part consistent and clear, and the index of names/subjects has been cross-referenced for the entire volume (although reference lists are separate for each contribution).

For the non-specialist, the volume may represent a surfeit of material, but sampling the chapters (particularly the opening portion on “perspectives”) will prove rewarding. The only disappointing chapter is that by Donaghy on “Data Collection.” Essentially a compilation of survey responses, its 65 pages present little substantive content and many details that are likely to be quickly outdated (e.g., models of video equipment used). By contrast, the articles by Ramsey on nonverbal behavior in Japan, and by Henley and LaFrance on gender differences, were particularly interesting.

While particularly relevant to psychologists working in the area, Nonverbal Behavior will prove of interest to others, including sociologists, anthropologists, and general readers who are willing to make the effort involved in exploring a complex area of human behavior.