Personal space

• What is personal space?

  The distance we keep between ourselves and others
• What did Sorokowska et al. find about cultural differences in personal space?

  Large cultural differences in preferred distances
• Which country prefers larger personal distances according to Sorokowska et al.?

  Saudi Arabia
• How may climate explain personal space preferences?

  Warmer climates lead to closer distances
• According to Fisher and Bryne, when do women feel most uncomfortable regarding personal space?

  When invaded from the side
• How do men feel uncomfortable regarding personal space according to Fisher and Bryne?

  When invaded from the front
• What did Zahn find about status differences in personal space?

  Similar status individuals stand closer
• What are the real-world applications of personal space research?

  • Useful for doctors understanding cultural differences
  • Helps in social interactions and communication
• What are the criticisms of personal space research?

  • Over simplistic: Investigates one factor at a time
  • Does not consider interactions between factors
  • Uses unrepresentative samples of people