View Resources by Theory

Expectancy Violations Theory

Judee Burgoon

Chapter 7
Interpersonal Communication—Interpersonal Messages

Theory Overview

Abstracts appear in Appendix A of the 7th Edition

Violating another person's interpersonal expectations can be a superior strategy to conformity. When the meaning of a violation is ambiguous, communicators with a high reward valence can enhance their attractiveness, credibility, and persuasiveness by doing the unexpected. When the violation valence or reward is negative, they should act in a socially appropriate way. (Socio-pyschological tradition)

Hint: In addition to the alphabetical drop-down list above, you can also use the Table of Contents for the 7th edition to select a chapter or section of the book, or the Theory List for a listing by author.