Claire McKinney

Humans are continually exploring the complexities of relationships and interactions. Research proves that social mimicry and politeness are two essential components of social interactions. My research paper focuses on how social mimicry can apply to politeness, despite the fact that social mimicry has only been studied in terms of emotions in the past. After extensive research, I decided to focus specifically on the social mimicry of politeness through verbal and nonverbal social signals between strangers. I crafted an observational research method that I implemented in a grocery store, a place where strangers frequently interact, specifically at the check out counter. By using a data collection checklist I designed, I was able to record the signals of politeness that the cashier implemented into the interaction while checking out the customer, and which signals the customer mimicked. The results of my data compilation and analysis revealed that while social mimicry of politeness does occur, it is more common in verbal signals than non-verbal behaviors. Further, the non-verbal behaviors that were mimicked by the customer were lower-effort behaviors that required less investment in the interaction. The new understandings from my research can provide insight to psychologists and social scientists on the workings of stance convergence, as well as applicable workplace training methods to foster positive environments. Generally, everyday people can use this concept in every day interactions with strangers by understanding that if when one speaks politely, others are more likely to respond politely.