AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The chameleon effect refers to nonconscious mimicry of the postures, mannerisms, facial expressions, and other behaviors of one’s interaction partners, such that one’s behavior passively and unintentionally changes to match that of others in one’s current social environment.

Detailed explanation-2: -Such a “chameleon effect” may manifest itself in different ways. One may notice using the idiosyncratic verbal expressions or speech inflections of a friend. Or one may notice crossing one’s arms while talking with someone else who has his or her arms crossed.

Detailed explanation-3: -The chameleon effect is not a strategic facsimile of a person’s gestures and facial expressions. It’s more natural. It’s a tendency we all may adopt to imitate someone else’s voice and physical gestures so as to create a bond of intimacy and friendship. This can be done either consciously or subconsciously.

Detailed explanation-4: -The evolutionary purpose of the chameleon effect is to build positive rapport between humans; however, if the mimicking is seen to be intentional, then it might not be appreciated. Mimicking must be aroused from affinity. Psychologists Chartrand and Bargh conducted a series of experiments to test the chameleon effect.