Decoding Body Language

Body language is a conjunction of voluntary and involuntary body movements interpreted by a viewer as non-verbal communication. Humans evolved through communication, initially relying on body gestures and facial expressions, and later developing complex spoken and written languages (i.e. sumerian language). Despite the creation of spoken and written languages humans still rely on primitive non-verbal forms of communication like body language, pictorial drawings, and facial emotions. Our early european ancestors (homo sapiens) used those three non-verbal forms of communicating, the most lasting form are the illustrations that can be still found in obscure caves in Europe.

We are still products of the past programmed with body language sensibilities. Our species is able to discriminate between sincerity and insincerity just by innately noting muscular tendencies or gestures. A prime example of this is the Duchenne smile, side graphic depicting this study. Look at Side A vs. Side B, which of the two do you think is a sincere smile? Think to yourself why this is so? Our brain is wired to pick up on subtle details like what muscular areas are being used and how many muscles are being employed to form the facial expression or body expression. The study concluded that Side A was viewed as an insincere smile because only one muscular region (mouth area) was employed in the facial expression. Side B was viewed as sincere because two muscular regions (eyes and mouth areas) were employed in the facial expression. It is truly mind blowing that amount of detail we are receptive to, but more mind boggling the amount of daily discriminating our brains do for us.

Behavioral Scientists work to deconstruct the labyrinth physical and emotional components of body language. Behavioral Scientists rely on experiments, for example, displaying different scenarios to lab subjects and recording their reactions. By identifying and quantifying behavioral tendencies scientists are able to establish principles. As technologies improve behavioral scientists will have more equipment to accurately measure brain activity, the nervous system, and much more. Behavioral science is a fluid and changing science supported by years of research and experimentation.

Be your own experiment, click below:
http://www.youramazingbrain.org/testyourself/default.htm