Spatial Relations in Humans

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Spatial Relations in Humans

• How much space do we need?
• Dawn Getz
• Fall Ecology Project 12-7-98

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Introduction

• Purpose To investigate and calculate the
  average amount of space a person requires to feel
  unthreatened when in close proximity with other
  individuals.

• Topics of Discussion - Experiments -
  Results - Conclusion

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Experiment 1 Victim Vs. Control

• Procedure Observe victim and control in an
  isolated environment (library). Control and
  victim are both sitting alone at separate tables.
  Approach the victim and sit within 1/2 meter
  (18 in.) directly beside them. Observe
  reactions and record behavior. Compare behavior
  data with that of the control.

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Results of Experiment 1

• Results were taken obtained from five different
  subjects over the course of a month. Location of
  experiment was varied to insure a diverse
  selection of subjects.

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Conclusions from Experiment 1

• The most common reactions victims displayed is
  increased muscle tension and awareness,
  fidgeting, moving chair away from experimenter or
  moving to another table.
• The results of the graph are based on the
  subjects reactions as compared to the control.
• From this experiment, it appears evident that
  most individuals feel threatened when others
  enter within 18 inches of their body.

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Experiment 2 Invasion of Personal Space

• Procedure Using the estimate of personal space
  from experiment 1, approached subjects and stood
  within 5 inches of their body and asked them a
  question that required a minimal conversation of
  15 seconds. Mentally noted changes in behavior,
  facial expressions, and posture. Noted the
  individual distance that developed between myself
  and the subject. Varied the subjects to include
  a variety of categories including friends,
  family(young and old), co-workers, significant
  other, and strangers.

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Conclusions Experiment 2
Close Association
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Conclusions Continued
Limited Association
9
Conclusions Continued
No Association
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Comments

• Estimated distances
• City vs Rural experiments conducted in
  Philadelphia and Ewing, Ky.
• Age range 10-65

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Calculations
Average Personal Space Close Association
(20042321)?8 1.75
1.75 in 5 in 6.75 in Limited
Association (686612121812)?8 10
10 in 5 in 15
in No Association (2418121224301812)?8
18.75 18.75 in
5 in 23.75
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Observations and Discussion
Required amount of personal space affected by
amount of association with individual, gender and
height differences. Noticeable differences
between city and rural observations. Possible
cultural link. Research extensions vary gender,
investigate possible differences among age groups
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The End !!!