NVC past paper questions

Question 1

Describe the function of eye contact.

Two marks

Answer 1

• Maintaining eye contact indicates interest, although maintaining eye contact
  for too long can be intimidating.

Question 2

Describe the aim(s) and method/procedure of a research study relating to
nurture (learned behaviour) in NVC.
You must include the name of the researcher(s)/name of study.

Four marks

Answer 2

Candidates are asked to describe the aim(s) and method/procedure of a research
study relating to nurture (learned behaviour) in NVC.
You must include the name of the researcher(s)/name of study.
* 1 mark for researcher name(s)/name of study
* 2 marks (maximum) for giving a brief description of the aim
* 2 marks (maximum) for a description of the method/procedure.
All 3 components are required for full marks.
Example:
Name: Yuki (1)
Aim: To investigate cultural differences in recognising emotions. (1)
Method/procedure: Experiment/questionnaire (1) There were (95) Japanese
participants and (118) American participants in the study. (1) Yuki showed the
participants emoticons (1) with different combinations of eyes and mouths (1). The
eyes and mouths were happy, neutral, or sad. (1). Participants were asked to rate
how happy they thought each face was. (1)
Any other valid response.

Question 3

Explain how the results of this study support the contribution of nurture
(learned behaviour) in NVC.

Five marks

Answer 3

Candidates are asked to explain how the results of this study support the
contribution of nurture (learned behaviour) in NVC.
If candidates only give a description of the results award a maximum of 2 marks.
For full marks, candidates must make a link between the results and nurture
(learned behaviour).
* the Japanese students gave the highest ratings to the faces with happy eyes (1).
The American students gave the highest ratings to the faces with happy mouths
(1)
* Japanese participants focussing more on the eyes demonstrate learned
behaviour in NVC (1) as emotions are expressed in a more reserved way within
this culture (1)
* this shows that people learn their own culture’s norms for the
expression/interpretation of emotions (1)
* as the interpretation/expression of emotion in these two cultures was different
(1) it shows the influence of nurture/learned behaviour. (1)
Any other valid response.

Question 4

Natasha is sitting on a bus. A woman sits on the seat next to her. Natasha feels
uncomfortable for the rest of her journey.

Using your knowledge of personal space in NVC, explain Natasha’s discomfort.

Four marks

Answer 4

Candidates are asked to explain Natasha’s discomfort, using their knowledge of
personal space in NVC.
A maximum of 2 marks is available if there is no reference to the scenario.
Personal space
* personal space is the distance we keep between ourselves and others. (1) Natasha
feels uncomfortable because a stranger is sitting closer to her than she would
like (1)
* Natasha’s discomfort might be due to the stranger being in her intimate zone of
proximity (1) rather than in the public zone. (1)
Any other valid response.