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Is Your Body Language Closed or Open? A closed body posture includes sitting hunched over or standing with arms crossed rather than sitting or standing up straight and having the arms more open. According to a recent study, people who were rated as having a more closed body posture "had higher levels of stress hormones and said they felt less powerful than those who had a more open pose." (a) What are the variables in this study? Is each variable categorical or quantitative? Assume participants had body language rated on a numerical scale from low values representing more closed to larger values representing more open. Assume also that participants were rated on a numerical scale indicating whether each felt less powerful (low values) or more powerful (higher values). (b) Do the results of the study indicate a positive or negative relationship between the body language scores and levels of stress hormones? Would your answer be different if the scale had been reversed for the body language scores? (c) Do the results of the study indicate a positive or negative relationship between the body language scores and the scores on the feelings of power? Would your answer be different if both scales were reversed? Would your answer be different if only one of the scales had been reversed?

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Variables

The variables in this study are body language, feelings of power, and levels of stress hormones. All three variables are quantitative, as they can be measured on a numerical scale. For body language, low values imply a more 'closed' body language and high values imply a more 'open' body language. Similarly, feelings of power and levels of stress hormones are measured on a numerical scale with low values implying feeling less powerful and higher values implying feeling more powerful.

02

Relationship Between Body Language and Stress Hormones

The results indicate a negative relationship between body language scores and levels of stress hormone. This means that the more 'closed' the body language (lower body language score), the higher the level of stress hormones, and vice versa. If the scale had been reversed for the body language scores, the relationship would have become a positive one. That is, the higher the body language score (implying more 'closed' body posture), the higher the level of stress hormones.

03

Relationship Between Body Language and Feelings of Power

The results indicate a positive relationship between body language scores and the scores on the feelings of power. This implies that the more 'open' the body language (higher body language score), the more powerful the participant feels, and vice versa. If both scales were reversed, the relationship would still be positive. However, if only one of the scales had been reversed, the relationship would turn negative.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Quantitative Variables

In the context of a study, variables are aspects or characteristics of the participants or phenomena that researchers want to measure. Quantitative variables are those that can be expressed in numerical terms. They often answer questions about 'how much' or 'how many.' In this study regarding body language and associated psychological impacts, the variables are:

• Body language
• Feelings of power
• Levels of stress hormones

These variables are quantitative because they are measured on a scale. For example, participants are assigned scores to quantify whether their body posture is more closed or open, as well as how powerful they feel. Similarly, levels of stress hormones are quantified, although possibly through biological measures. Quantitative measurement enables the analysis of correlations and the determination of relationships between variables in a precise manner.

Body Language

Body language refers to the non-verbal cues and positions that express one's feelings and attitudes. In this study, body language is classified as either open or closed.

• Open body language involves standing or sitting with an erect posture and uncrossed limbs. It typically conveys confidence and comfort.
• Closed body language, on the other hand, might include a hunched posture or crossed arms, suggesting defensiveness or discomfort.

In the research exercise, participants' body language was quantified using a numerical scale. Less open postures were assigned lower scores, while more open postures received higher scores. This allows for a quantitative analysis of the impact of different postures on stress and feelings of power.

Stress Hormones

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are chemical messengers released by the body in response to stress. These hormones help the body to react to stressful situations by triggering the 'fight or flight' response. Stress hormones can have adverse effects if they remain elevated over prolonged periods.
In this study, participants' levels of stress hormones were measured alongside their body language. A negative relationship was found, meaning that more closed body postures were linked to higher stress hormone levels. Understanding this relationship helps clarify how physical behaviors impact our physiological and psychological states, suggesting that adopting more open body language might aid in stress reduction.

Feelings of Power

Feeling powerful is an internal psychological state that can influence a person's confidence, assertiveness, and decision-making. In this study, feelings of power were also measured on a numerical scale, correlating with body language.
The findings showed a positive relationship between open body language and feelings of power. Participants who exhibited more open body language reported feeling more powerful. This suggests that our physical stance can affect not just how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves. Adjusting your posture to be more open might boost your confidence and reduce feelings of powerlessness. If the scales for either body language or feelings of power were reversed, the interpretation of any statistical relationship would change accordingly.