Investigating the Ability to Perceive Nonverbal Behaviors in Different Interaction Formats

This study examined how communication format (face-to-face vs. virtual) and role (active participant vs. passive observer) affect the ability to notice nonverbal behaviors and judge authenticity. Forty-nine undergraduates either conducted or observed simulated job interviews with trained interviewees displaying genuine or non-genuine nonverbal cues. Participants then identified behaviors they noticed and rated the interviewee’s authenticity. The results showed that participants in the face-to-face condition recognized nonverbal behaviors more accurately than on video, and more easily distinguished genuine from non-genuine behaviors. Also, passive observers outperformed active participants, suggesting that the cognitive demands of conversation can reduce perception of others. These findings suggest that face-to-face and virtual formats are not interchangeable and can impact decisions made in hiring, telehealth, and high-stakes remote settings.