Global Gaze Slides Global Gaze
The Science of Cultural Social Norms
The Social Scientist's Lens
Social Scientists don't look for "Right" or "Wrong."
We look for patterns and reasons.
Essential Question
Why do rules about eyes and space change depending on where we are?
1
Observe the behavior
2
Research the context
3
Analyze the "Why"
Is there a "Normal"?
"Normal" is just a set of unwritten rules shared by a group of people.
"In some countries, looking a teacher directly in the eye is a sign of defiance or disrespect."
The Space Scale
High Contact
Often found in: Southern Europe, Latin America, Middle East
Closer personal space (0.5 - 1 foot)
Frequent, direct eye contact
Touching is common during talk
Low Contact
Often found in: Northern Europe, East Asia, USA (General)
Larger "bubble" (2 - 3 feet)
Intermittent eye contact
Touching limited to handshakes
Decoding Eye Contact
Direct Gaze
"I am listening and I am confident."
Viewed as honesty in some cultures; viewed as aggressive in others.
Lowered Gaze
"I am listening with respect."
A sign of deep respect for elders/authority in many Asian and African cultures.
Averted Gaze
"I am processing information."
Often happens when someone is thinking hard or feeling overwhelmed.
Case Study
Proximity and Power
In Japan, bowing requires specific distance and eye position.
Lowering the head means you trust the person. Eye contact is broken to show humility.
Discussion Question
If you met someone from a bowing culture, how would your "normal" rules of personal space make them feel?
Your Mission
Today, you will complete your first Cultural Compass.
1. IDENTIFY a cultural norm for eye contact or space.
2. PREDICT how that norm changes in different settings.
Cultural Compass Activity Cultural Compass
Student Investigator Record: Lesson 1
Scientist:
Date:
1. The Scientist's Glossary
Based on today's lesson, define the two main types of communication cultures. Use your own words!
High-Contact Culture
Low-Contact Culture
2. Global Norm Matching
Match the behavior description to the most likely cultural context.
A
Direct eye contact is a sign of honesty and listening.
________ Culture
B
Looking down at the floor shows respect for a teacher.
________ Culture
C
A "bubble" of 3 feet is preferred during conversation.
________ Culture
3. Norm Collisions
Scenario: A student from a "High-Contact" culture moves to a school that is mostly "Low-Contact." They stand very close to a new friend in the hallway.
How might the Low-Contact friend feel?
How can we explain this interaction as "Social Scientists"?
4. My Social World
Eye Contact Observation
Think about your own family or your neighborhood. How do people use their eyes when talking? Is it constant? Intermittent? Do they look away often? Describe what you see.
The Space Bubble
When you are talking to someone you don't know well (like a substitute teacher or a cashier), what is the "correct" distance for you? Mark it on the line below and explain why.
Touching
1 Foot
2 Feet
3 Feet
Far Away
Scientist's Takeaway
Norms aren't about being "good" or "bad." They are unwritten agreements that help a group of people feel comfortable and safe in their specific environment.
Power Patterns Slides Power Patterns
The Science of Authority and Space
The Proximity Paradox
The more power or authority someone has in a situation, the more space we tend to give them.
"Respect is often measured in inches."
Police Officer / Judge
Principal / Teacher
Best Friend / Sibling
Where do you stand?
Intimate
Social
Public / Formal
As authority increases, we move from the Center to the Edges.
The Eyes of Authority
The Power Stare
Holding eye contact longer than usual can be a sign of:
Dominance / Control
Testing boundaries
Intense focus
The Respectful Gaze
Breaking eye contact intermittently shows:
Active listening
Lack of threat
Processing thoughts
Thought Experiment
You've been called to the Principal's office.
Option A
You stand 6 inches from their desk and stare without blinking.
Option B
You sit 3 feet away and look at them when they speak, then at your notes.
How does the "Vibe" change?
Investigator Mission
Open your Space Hierarchy Map.
We will categorize 8 different people from your life based on how much "Authority Space" they require.
Today's Focus
Space Hierarchy Map Space Hierarchy Map
Investigator Record: Lesson 2
Investigator:
1. Categorizing the Hierarchy
List 6 different people you interact with. Place them on the authority scale below based on how much social "power" they have in that specific setting.
Least Authority
1
2
3
4
5
6
Most Authority
2. Proximity Analysis
Person / Setting Respectful Distance Eye Contact "Rule" Principal (In Office) Coach (On the Field) Close Friend (At Lunch) New Student (Hallway)
3. Reflection: The Proximity Paradox
"The more power someone has, the more space we give them, yet the more we expect them to look us in the eye."
Why do you think this is true? Does it make the conversation feel safer or more serious?
Field Work Guide Slides Operation: School Scan
Field Work & Social Ecosystems
Top Secret: Social Scientist Eyes Only
The Investigator's Code
Be a Ghost
Observe without being noticed. If you interfere, the behavior changes!
Record Facts Only
Don't guess what they are thinking. Write down exactly what their bodies are doing.
"We are here to map the ecosystem, not to join it."
Scientific Neutrality
Compare & Contrast
The Cafeteria
High Volume
Close Proximity
High Contact Eyes
Social Hotspot
The Library
Low Volume
Large Bubble
Low Contact Eyes
Focused Zone
What to Measure
Proximity
Are they sitting side-by-side or across? How many inches/feet between them?
Gaze Pattern
Constant staring? Looking at the phone? Looking at the ceiling while talking?
The "Collision"
Does anyone look uncomfortable? Does someone back away or move closer?
Mission Launch
Pick up your Investigator Field Log.
We are heading to our first zone in 5 minutes. Silence is our best tool.
15 Min Observation
10 Min Log Entry
Investigator Field Log Investigator Field Log
Confidential Social Data Record #3
Investigator:
Location:
1. Scene Reconstruction
Sketch the physical layout of the zone. Mark where people are sitting with 'X's.
Active Group
Solo Person
2. Proximity Data
Distance Between Friends
Inches/Feet
Distance Between Strangers
Inches/Feet
Observation: The "Buffer Zone"
When a new person enters the space, how do others adjust their bubbles?
3. Gaze Pattern Check-in
Action Observed Tally (Count) Setting Detail Looking at a phone during talk Direct eye-to-eye contact Looking away/around the room
4. Ecosystem Summary
Conclusion: "The Library Ecosystem is different because..."
Digital Space Slides Screen Eyes
The Proximity of the Pixel
The Digital Paradox
Why is looking at a screen more exhausting than talking in person?
"On a screen, everyone is 2 feet away and staring directly at you at the same time."
The Virtual Wall
The Gaze Gap
The Lens
To make "eye contact" digitally, you must look at the 1cm camera, NOT the person's eyes.
Eye Contact Trap
If you look at their eyes on the screen, to them, it looks like you are looking at their chin or the floor.
Digital Stare
In real life, we blink and look away. On camera, we feel like we have to stare "into the soul" of the lens to seem present.
Virtual Personal Space
Too Close
"The Giant Face"
Just Right
"Head and Shoulders"
Too Far
"The Tiny Room"
Mission: The Digital Buffer
Workshop Task
You will test different camera angles and "eye contact" targets.
Compare Lens vs. Screen gaze.
Adjust your "Virtual Bubble."
Find the "Golden Frame."
How does your "Vibe" change when the camera moves?
Digital Space Workshop Log Digital Workshop Log
Pixel Proximity Investigation: Lesson 4
User ID:
1. The Gaze Trap Experiment
During the video workshop, test your "Target Gaze." Follow the instructions and record how the other person reacts.
Test A: Screen Gaze
Look directly at the eyes of the person on your screen for 30 seconds.
Partner Feedback:
"You looked at me."
"You looked at my floor/chin."
Recommended
Test B: Lens Gaze
Look directly into the camera lens for 30 seconds.
Partner Feedback:
"You looked at me."
"You looked at my floor/chin."
2. Framing Your Bubble
Too Close
The Golden Frame
Too Far
Your Reflection:
"When someone is 'Too Close' in a video call, how does your body react? Do you feel like they are in your actual room?"
3. The Mute-Gaze Strategy
When you are not talking on camera, what is the best strategy for your eyes? How do you show you are listening without staring into the lens like a robot?
A: Look Away
"Processing thoughts"
B: The "Nod"
"Non-verbal yes"
C: Screen Scan
"Checking the room"
My Preferred Digital Listening Style:
Field Guide Project Slides The Field Guide
7th Grade Social Survival Manual
The Martian Problem
Imagine a new student arrives from Mars.
They have no idea how humans work. They might stare too long, stand too close, or talk too loud in the library.
Your job is to write the "Manual" for their survival.
The Martian
Needs to know the Unwritten Rules.
Zones of Investigation
The Bus
High intensity, very tight personal space, shifting authority.
Focus: Seating & Noise
The Hallway
High motion, passing eye contact, moving personal bubbles.
Focus: Movement & Greetings
The Classroom
High authority, static space, structured eye contact patterns.
Focus: Focus & Respect
Writing the Rule
1
Eye Protocol
2
Space Protocol
3
The "Why"
Example Rule:
"When walking in the hallway (The Zone), look at others for 1 second then look forward. Give others a 2-foot bubble. This keeps the flow moving and prevents awkward bumps."
The Synthesis
Use your Cultural Compass, your Space Hierarchy Map, and your Field Logs to build the ultimate guide.
Time to write for the future of Earth (and Mars).
Social Field Guide Template The 7th Grade
Social Field Guide
Earthling Survival Manual
Author Identification
Scientist:
Region:
Objective: To provide clear, unwritten rules for newcomers to navigate school ecosystems with success.
Priority Zero
Zone 01: The Bus
Seating Protocols
When choosing a seat near a stranger vs. a friend, what is the rule? How much space do you leave? Write the rule for the Martian.
Eye Contact & Noise
The bus is loud. Where should your eyes go when talking over the noise? Where should they go when you're just sitting there?
Pro-Tip for the Martian
What is the one thing they should NEVER do with their personal bubble on the bus?
Zone 02: The Hallway
Passing Protocols
You are walking toward someone. At what distance do you look at them? When do you look away? Describe the "Gaze Pattern."
Group Movement
Walking with a group of friends. How much space do you take up without blocking others? What's the rule for the "Hallway Bubble"?
The Greeting
How do you acknowledge someone you know without stopping?
The "Collision"
What happens if bubbles bump? How do eyes and space fix it?
Zone 03: The Classroom
Authority Dynamics
The teacher is at the front. Where should the Martian's eyes be? How much "Authority Space" does the teacher get vs. a desk partner?
Collaborative Work
Working in a small group. How does eye contact change when you are looking at a shared paper vs. talking to a partner?
The Social Scientist Oath
"I understand that social rules change based on Context. I promise to use my eyes and space to help others feel comfortable and to respect the unwritten rules of my school ecosystem."
Signed:
