The Dynamics of Space: An Experimental Study in Proxemic Behavior among Latin Americans and North Americans

Thirty-two Ss were matched with persons of their own cultural group (Latin American or North American) and were asked to attempt to solve a problem concerning the Middle East crisis within five minutes. Their proxemic behavior was noted and photographed, while they discussed the problem. Although there were no significant mean differences, variance differences were significant and suggest possible explanations for the lack of significant mean differences. There seems to be a relationship between sitting position and distance, and there may well be a relationship between distance and a number of other variables like social context, degree of intimacy among Ss, or ego involvement. The relationship between room size and distance between Ss remains unclear.