Observational Research: Perceived Social Support

This study will use a naturalistic observational, correlational design with a between-subjects structure, where each observed individual represents one independent observation. Observations will take place in public campus locations at the University of Maryland, including STAMP, ESJ, and Starbucks. Each participant will be observed for two minutes, during which visible behaviors related to social support and social anxiety will be recorded. The predictor variable, observed social support, will be measured using two observable behaviors: physical contact and smiling. Physical contact refers to friendly or supportive touch between individuals, such as hugs, high-fives, pats on the shoulder, or other brief positive gestures. Smiling refers to visible positive facial expressions directed toward another person during interaction. The outcome variable, observed social anxiety, will be measured using fidgeting and bodily tension. Fidgeting refers to repetitive or restless movements such as tapping fingers, shaking legs, playing with objects, or adjusting clothing repeatedly. Bodily tension refers to visible stiffness or discomfort in posture, such as rigid posture, tightly crossed arms, hunched shoulders, or other signs of physical unease. All behaviors will be coded using a 0–3 observational scale, where higher scores represent greater levels of the behavior being observed.