The Human Spark | I Like to be Mimicked | PBS

http://www.pbs.org/humanspark Alan Alda becomes a research subject for scientist Tanya Chartrand as she studies how mimicry affects our social interactions and behavior.

In "The Human Spark," Alan Alda visits dozens of scientists on three continents -- and even undergoes an examination of his own brain -- to find the answer to one question: What makes us human? Coming to PBS in January 2010. Learn more, and tell us what YOU think makes us human at http://www.pbs.org/humanspark

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Alan Alda
• Tanya Chartrand
• mimicry
• social behavior
• psychology
• Human Spark

[ORCA4312]

@jenakinae Yeah. I would have thought that mimicry would be off-putting, not socially appealing. Strange.

[fruitsofnews]

lol... which in the end wasn't

[XiokaShiroka]

You're on the right track baalzebubamerica. Human beings typically enjoy a 3 foot 'bubble' of personal space with strangers. The artifacts in the chair are made by human beings therefore causing association, both mental and emotional.

I thought Mr. Alda's second explanation was candid with his choice of chair.

[shadowace421]

I think he just didnt want to get up and only got 1 pen just to be polite.

[baalzebubamerica]

i think the reason most people would select the third chair in the line is to maintain personal space between the items sitting in the first chair and yourself (Alan Alda in this case)

[baalzebubamerica]

wow! that is an interesting phenomenon about human nature, I have noticed it before but never really knew the socialism behind it, thanks Alan Alda & PBS :)

[MasterThief1324]

Very interesting!

[TheGiantRobot]

I thought it was really interesting how you could see he really wanted to help, but he was looking for permission. His self confidence with others seemed like it was temporarily damaged.

[RedSatin69]

I wonder if there is also a difference between men and women, in the sense that women tend to feel more compelled to "help", i.e. the pen exercise. I was a little taken aback that he just kind of sat there but I did wonder if that was more social shaping between men and women. Just wondering if they factor that in and if it makes a difference.

[LAlonzo70]

there are many variables to be taken into account, but this is fascinating, nonverbal communication skills and understanding is essential to people, social skills. this is also something that is not explicitly taught.