Interpersonal communication is the process of exchanging information between two or more people through both verbal and nonverbal cues. It includes how we communicate face-to-face as well as digitally. Interpersonal communication skills are essential for building relationships and navigating social situations.
Definition of Static Evaluation
Static evaluation refers to the initial judgments we make about another person based on immediately available information such as appearance, first impressions, stereotypes, and situational roles. It is a snapshot evaluation of a person made at a specific point in time.
Some key characteristics of static evaluation:
- Based on limited information and first impressions
- Focuses on surface-level attributes
- Prone to stereotyping
- Situationally influenced
- A static, unchanging evaluation
Static evaluations are often made unconsciously and can be biased. They provide a starting point for understanding another person but have limitations if not updated with more in-depth information over time.
Examples of Static Evaluation
Here are some common examples of static evaluations people make during interpersonal communication:
Appearance-Based
- Assuming someone is fun-loving and relaxed because they have casual style
- Thinking someone is intelligent because they wear glasses
- Associating tattoos and piercings with rebelliousness
First Impressions
- Labeling someone as shy because they are quiet when you first meet
- Perceiving someone’s handshake as a sign of confidence and extroversion
- Identifying a new colleague as friendly based on their smile and eye contact when introduced
Stereotyping
- Expecting older individuals to be resistant to change and technology
- Assuming a high-pitched voice indicates emotionality or lack of authority
- Relating designer clothes and flashy jewelry to materialism
Situational Roles
- Viewing a doctor’s white coat as a symbol of status and competence
- Perceiving receptionists as less intelligent based on their customer service role
- Assuming a server at a high-end restaurant will provide excellent service based on the establishment’s reputation
Potential Biases in Static Evaluation
Because static evaluation relies on limited information and generalizations, it is prone to biases. Being aware of these potential biases can help us catch and re-examine our initial judgments of others.
Confirmation Bias
The tendency to interpret new information in a way that validates our existing beliefs and first impressions.
Halo Effect
Letting one or two positive traits influence our overall perception of someone in an exaggerated manner.
Horns Effect
The opposite of the halo effect – allowing one negative trait to dominate our entire view of someone.
Attribution Effect
Incorrectly attributing someone’s behavior to internal factors like personality without considering external causes.
Fundamental Attribution Error
Overemphasizing personality and disposition while underestimating situational influences on another person’s behavior.
Actor-Observer Bias
Judging others’ actions as dispositional while viewing our own actions as situaionally driven.
Outgroup Homogeneity Bias
Viewing members of groups we don’t belong to as more similar to each other than they actually are.
Problems with Relying on Static Evaluation
While first impressions provide some initial data points for understanding others, overdependence on static evaluation can lead to the following problems:
- Inaccurate perceptions of others
- Stifled relationship development
- Self-fulfilling prophecies
- Miscommunication and conflicts
- Reinforcement of stereotypes
- Decreased empathy and understanding
Moving Beyond Static Evaluation
Static evaluation alone provides an incomplete picture of other people. Here are some ways to move beyond initial first impressions and gain a more accurate, nuanced view of others:
Suspend Judgement
Catch yourself making snap evaluations and consciously resist them by waiting to gather more information.
Seek Depth
Ask probing questions, observe over time, and listen without interruption to move past superficial attributes.
Consider Context
Reflect on how situational factors may be shaping the other person’s behavior and presentation.
Look for Disconfirming Evidence
Intentionally look for information that contradicts your first impressions.
Be Open to Complexity
Accept that all people are multi-faceted and your first impressions only reveal a slice of who they are.
Check Your Biases
Monitor your interactions for biases and pre-judgements that may color your perspective.
Empathize
Try to understand the other person’s perspective before reaching conclusions about who they are.
Adjust and Update
Be willing to revise your initial evaluations as you gather more evidence and insights over time.
Achieving Dynamic Evaluation
The goal is to move from static to dynamic evaluation of others. Dynamic evaluation involves:
- Ongoing updating based on new data
- Acknowledging complexity and contradiction
- Considering situational and contextual factors
- Checking perceptions against reality
This allows for a nuanced, flexible, and accurate understanding of others that evolves productively with time and deepening connection.
Theoretical Background
The concepts of static and dynamic evaluation originate from communication accommodation theory (CAT) developed by Howard Giles. Key components of CAT relevant to evaluation include:
- Initial evaluations – The first impressions formed when we encounter someone new.
- A Priori stereotypes – The stereotypes, biases and assumptions we hold that influence initial evaluations.
- Attribution – The explanations we form for someone’s behavior.
- Accommodation – Adjusting your communication approach to others based on initial evaluations.
- Convergence and divergence – Strategies for reducing or increasing distinctions between yourself and others.
Static evaluation aligns with initial evaluations, a priori stereotypes, and attribution steps. Dynamic evaluation incorporates convergence, divergence, and ongoing accommodation strategies.
Communication Accommodation Theory Studies
CAT provides a useful framework for understanding interpersonal evaluation. Here are some key research findings related to static and dynamic evaluation:
| Study | Methods | Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Giles et al., 1987 | Observed evaluations of radio interviewees | Interviewees judged as more competent and attractive when evaluators’ stereotypes were disconfirmed. |
| Soliz & Giles, 2014 | Experiment with confederates using divergent communication | Divergent strategies increased perceived vitality of partners especially in intergenerational communication. |
| Zhang et al., 2022 | Content analysis of user comments on social media | Initial negative evaluations of strangers showed greater change over time compared to positive first impressions. |
These studies demonstrate how communication patterns can influence initial evaluations and impressions. They also highlight the potential for those evaluations to evolve with further interaction.
Practical Applications
Being aware of static versus dynamic evaluation has many practical implications for improving interpersonal communication and relationships:
- Mitigate conflict by moving past first impressions.
- Facilitate better teamwork through moderating snap judgements.
- Reduce prejudice and discrimination through greater empathy.
- Improve coaching and mentoring by individualizing feedback.
- Enhance customer service and stakeholder interactions.
- Deepen personal and professional relationships.
Example Scenario
Sarah started a new job and was introduced to her coworker James during orientation. Based on his formal outfit and serious demeanor, she formed a static evaluation of him as rigid and impersonal. However, during team meetings she observed his thoughtful questions and appreciation when colleagues built on his ideas. She noticed he often stayed late to help others. By seeking more depth, she recognized her initial impression was incomplete. Sarah made an effort to engage James in more social conversations during breaks. Over time they discovered several common interests which led to a friendly, supportive working relationship.
Conclusion
While static evaluation is an inherent part of initial interactions, cultivating dynamic evaluation allows for deeper, more accurate interpersonal understanding over time. By continuously updating our impressions through empathy, contextual awareness, and permission to be surprised, we can build strong social bonds that overcome the limitations of first judgements. Dynamic evaluation paves the way to meaningful communication, cooperation, and lasting relationships.