Abstract
Studies of human-human interaction have not focused on consideration in approach. This is obviously very important if people are going to interact with a variety of people. In this study we closely observe the way people behave and interact based on consideration of others. More specifically, the study describes a series of experiments in which human participants approach a mannequin who is apparently concentrating to some degree on reading a book, then conduct the task of asking the mannequin for directions. As a result, when participants see that the other party is absorbed in something, they feel hesitant to approach front-on and speak to the person directly. Rather, they tend to circle around to the side to initiate conversation with the other party. This behavior does not encourage the other person to speak, but rather brings one in closer to the other party and creates a congenial conversational situation to initiate conversation. Our experiment demonstrates a tendency for people to employ subtle psychological strategies, even if nonverbal, to work one's way into the other person's state.
