This dissertation aimed to describe nonverbal behaviours in South African multicultural
HIV treatment contexts. It also aimed to identify the most appropriate method for
nonverbal behaviour data analysis and transcription. The study used a single-case,
parallel design, which incorporated three qualitative methodological tools; ethnography, a
modified form of conversational analysis and interviews. Data used was from a preexisting
videotaped database, belonging to a larger research project. Data consisted of 4
videotaped interactions between doctors and caregivers of children with HIV/Aids at the
Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Through the use of polyphonic transcription, five
nonverbal domains - eye gaze, body posture, facial expression, gesture and head posture
– were analysed. Patterns and trends of these transcripts were crosschecked with data
from the existing set as well as with data and findings from this and other research sites.
Findings identified correlations between nonverbal behaviour patterns, interpersonal
dynamics and communicative transfer. Specific critical moments of collaboration
between caregiver and practitioner as well as nonverbal behaviour roles in
communicative and interactional dynamics were also identified. Study findings thus
posses the potential to; facilitate effective medical interactions, direct future nonverbal
behaviour research and guide the development of medical education and policy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/6037 |
| Date | 11 February 2009 |
| Creators | Smith, Samantha Meghan Coralie |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
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