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Chapter 15 Ethological Analysis of Crew Member Behavior: Distances, Orientations, and Postures
Chapter 15
ETHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CREW MEMBER BEHAVIOR: DISTANCES. ORIENTATIONS. AND POSTURES
Carole Tafforin I . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I1. MethodologicalApproach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . Video Recording Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Observed Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. DataAnalysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III. Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . Inter-Individual Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D . Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV. Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. Conclusions and Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advances in Space Biology and Medicine Volume 5. pages 263-281 Copyright 0 1996 by JAI Press h e All rights ofreproduetion in MYform reserved ISBN: 1-55938-970-2
.
.
263
264 265 265 265 266 266 268 275 276 277 278 279 280
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CAROLE TAFFORIN
1. INTRODUCTION During a manned space mission the crew members have to adapt to a new environment, which is characterized on the one hand by new physical parameters, on the other hand by new psychosocial parameters. New physical parameters are weightlessness, three-dimensional configuration, and reduced living space. New psychosocial parameters are small group living, working together in close proximity, and social isolation. Adaptation to this new environment involves a number of processes, which include simultaneous physiological, psychological and behavioral modifications in the course of time. The present study is focused on investigating the behavioral modifications. Previous ethological observations of human motor behavior in parabolic flights and short-term spaceflights (8-10 days) have revealed the construction of individual strategies, which involve new patterns of movement, posture and orientation.' The adaptive process starts during the first seconds of microgravity with a spontaneous phase showing sensory-motorreflexes, followedduring the subsequent hours and days spent in these conditions by an integrative phase in which cognitive operationsare updated.2v3 The main findings are that the subject builds anew mental representation of the three-dimensional space and a new body scheme, as demonstrated by a wider range of body orientations (from head-up to head-down) associated with flexed body postures. During the ISEMSI study4 an ethological analysis of the spatial behavior of the six subjects confined for 28 days was camed out? The analysis showed the need for body mobility in a reduced space, leading to a decreased frequency of short inter-individual distances (0-40 cm), defined as intimate space! a predominance of social space (40-120 cm), and to a large extent personal space (12&360 cm) between the crew members. Effects of gender, age, and cultural group on interpersonal spacing have been observed in psychological experiments on the ground. Mixed groups with one or more female members are tighter than all-male groups? In interactions of pairs two females maintain less distance than two Interpersonal distances and body orientationsalso depend on nationality: Dutch pairs maintain greater distances than English pairs, which are less proximate than French pairs. However, in a mixed and transcultural (European countries) group no spatial pattern was clearly differentiated between the subjects." In addition, psychosocial studies during a long-term stay in the polar region (> 2-3 months) show decreased group cohesiveness, superficial interpersonal relationships and self-centered behavior, which are ascribed to the hostile physical environment and the difficulties in communicating with each other." All these experiments have in common that they deal with men and women who must live and work together in a small group in isolation and confinement for a long period of time, a situation analogous to that of a space crew. The present EXEMSI project, in which a mixed group of four was isolated for 60 days in a space station-like setting, offered a further opportunity to investigate the behavioral adaptation of such a group under conditions resembling a long-term
Ethological Analysis
2 65
space mission. The ethological analysis focused on the spatial organization of the crew members relative to each other. The changes in positions, orientations and postures during isolation were observed. The adaptive changes in the spatial activities of the individual subjects and of the group were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in an attempt to define the behavior governing their individual and collective strategies.
II. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH A. Video Recording Procedure
The technique, which is commonly employed in ethological studies, consisted of a descriptive and quantitative analysis of video recordings of the spontaneous motor behavior of the subjects during the performance of professional tasks and daily life activities in their living and working environment. The environment was composed of the isolation facility, in which the crew of one woman and three men lived and worked together during the 60-day isolation period. The facility with a total volume of 94.4 m3 comprised a habitat module (length 6.0 m, diam. 2.2 m, volume 23.5 m3), laboratory module (length 6.4 m, width 3.2 m, volume 43.0 m3), storage module, and transfer module. Inside the laboratory and habitat modules four wide-angle video cameras were symmetrically located, one at each end of the modules. The cameras were connected to a video recording device in the ground control room. The recording device included a timer (hour/min/sec), a mixer (4 pictures) and a recorder (VHStype; Pal system). The video signals from the four cameras were synchronized, mixed, and recorded on a single video picture. The ground control crew comprised three women and two men, one of whom was acting as crew interface coordinator (CIC). The latter maintained the recording schedule according to confidential instructions, which required recording a 4-hr sequence every Monday from 17:OO to 2 1 :OO during isolation weeks 1 through 9. This time slot included both collective activities (group meeting and dinner) and individual activities (working and leisure). During the preparation period, two months before isolation, the general features of the ethological analysis were explained to all subjects in a one-hour informative meeting.
B. Observed Parameters Three parameters were observed for a description of the spatial behavior of the chamber crew during isolation, which are explained in Figure 1: 1. the posirion of each subject relative to the chamber configuration (geocentric references) was measured in x,y coordinates (Figure la); 2. the orienrarion of the subject relative to the other subjects (exocentric references) was evaluated by the number of subjects (from 0 to 3) located in the visual space bounded by the frontal half-sphere of the subject (Figure lb);
CAROLE TAFFORIN
266 lbl ORlLNTAnONS (<)
rosIuRm
Figure I. Explanation of observed parameters: a) position, b) orientation,c) posture.
3. the posture was represented by the arrangement of the body segments of the subject (egocentric references; Figure lc). From the video recording the position, orientation and posture of each subject were determined every 2 minutes, which provided a total of 120 sets of measurements for each weekly continuous 4-hr recording. C. Data Analysis
Position and orientation descriptions were digitalized by means of a data plot and a Macintosh-I1 computer. The posture description was directly typed on the keyboard of the computer. Specific data processing programs were used to computerize inter-individual distances in cm, frequencies of orientationon a scale from 0 to 3, and postures in percent. In some cases, the distances have been divided according to Hall's classes (<40 cm; 40-120 cm; 120-360 cm; >360 cm). Nonparametric tests (standard error, chi2 test, contingency table and correspondence factorial analysis) were used for the statistical analysis of the data.
111. RESULTS The results are presented by descriptiveanalysis as a function of two variables: time (weeks 1 to 9) and individual (subjects B, D, G, and H). Apreliminary remark about the schedule of the video recordings is in order. The video sequences recorded by the acting CIC were not always initiated and ended at the scheduled hours (17:OO and 21:OO) every week. The actual recording hours are listed in Table 1.
Table 7. Schedule of Ethological Video Recordings week
start end
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 20:24
17:OO 2100
18:16 22:16
17:OO 2100
18:08 22:08
18:06 2206
Ajcragc distances lcrn)
uoo
,
I
04 . , 0 1
3
2
,
, 2
,
,
3
5
4
,
, 4
,
7
6
, 5
,
,
,
6
9 W - k
8
, 7
,
, 8
,
,
,
,
9 W - k
Contlngency Table Arulyds v 1
Total Chi-Square G Statistic Contingenc) CodIiclent Crdrner'c V
1"
382 579 376 057 252 1%
plm E 4
Figure 2. Weekly group averages of inter-individual distances. Top: distances in cm; middle: frequency of distances grouped in Hall's classes. 267
2 68
CAROLE TAFFORIN
A. Inter-Individual Distances Time Course of Group Average
Inter-individualdistances in cm, averaged for the subjects, are presented in Figure 2 (top) for each week during the isolation period. The changes seem to be relatively minor, except for a decrease in weeks 5 and 6, and a slight increase in week 9. Detailed analysis of the data showed that there was no change during the first three weeks, a slight increase in week 4 and again in week 9.
WEEK 1
Dirwncc Icm)
V
1600-
.
HC '
4j&@J HB
HD
CB
CD
BD
Subjcca
0
I
Figure 3. Box and Wisker plot of the distances between pairs of subjects in weeks 1 to 3 (HG refers to distance between subjects H and G, etc.).
Ethological Analysis
269
Diblancc (cmi lMll
WEEK 6 '
Figure 4. Box and Wisker plot of the distances between pairs of subjects in weeks 4 to 6.
The inter-individual distances are grouped according to Hall's classes in the middle part of Figure 2. No intimate distance (<40 cm) was observed, personal distances (4&120 cm) were seen in low frequencies, social (120-360 cm) and public distances (>360 cm) in higher frequencies. The isolation period can clearly be divided in three phases. During the initial phase (weeks 1 to 4) there was a predominance of large inter-individual distances (social and public). During the middle phase (weeks 5 and 6) the frequencies of personal and social distances
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 70 Distance(cm)
1600
.
..,~-
I(U0. 1400
NU, HX). '
2(X).
,Ew:-(j 0
7
4(j4:
WEEK 9
Dismnce (cm)
J(X)
WEEK I
.
increased, while those of public distances decreased. During the final phase (weeks 7 to 9), the frequency of public distances increased sharply, while those of social and personal distances decreased. Distances of Subject Pairs
Distances between each pair of subjects are shown in Box and Wisker plots for weeks 1-3 in Figure 3, for weeks 4-6 in Figure 4, and for weeks 7-9 in Figure 5. In the Box and Wisker plots 50% of the values (rectangle)are distributed around a median value (horizontal line in the rectangle), extreme values as circles above or
Average number 01 SubjeCt.5 Subject H 31
. . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . .
04 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
I
8
I
9
Week
Average number of subjects Subject B
32 1
l!--+
0
l
0
'
l ' U ' I ' I ' I ' I . I . I " 1 2 3 4 5 6 I 8 9Week
Average number of subjects Subject D 32 1
Figure 6. Average number of subjects located in the visual space of each subject for weeks 1-9 (bars indicate standard errors). 271
N
v
N
0
1
3 2
0
1
3 2
Number of subjects 0
0
SubjectH SubJectG SubjectB SubjectD
.............. ............... ..............
Week 4
Week 3
Week 2
Week 1
v
h 2
W
o
Time slot (hour)
I
2
1
*-
I
w m q -
I
3
4
I
Week 9
Week 8
Figure 7. Number of subjects located in the visual space of each subject during 4 hours of observation in weeks 1-9.
0
I
womo
Week 7
2 74
CAROLE TAFFORIN
. .
Relative frcauenc\
H . WEEK 1
I
[D F 1I I
G
chi2 1289 I p= 1.0000E-l
t/rW
T-
I
L t POSturts
Relative Irequcnc!
H .
WEEK 2
I
G
B. [ D F 11
Rclrli\c Ircquenc!
300
1
WEEK 3
I
E4D
I
chi2 389 I p= 1.0000E-4
1 I-H 1 I-G 1 I-B
Figure 8. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 1-3.
below the rectangles. Pairs are identified by the code letters for the two subjects (e.g., HG refers to the distances between subjects H and G). The closest pairs were HD in week 1, HB and BD in week 2, HB in week 3, GB in week 4, HG and BD in week 5 , HB and BD in week 6, HG and HB in week 7, and BD in week 8. No close pairs were observed in week 9. Over all, the female subject H maintained shorter distances with the male subjects B, D and G. No single pair predominated in either short or large inter-individual distances, and each pair has been observed at a very short inter-individual distance at least once during the isolation period.
Ethological Analysis
2 75
Rclatnc Ircqucnc)
3
7
.
.
300 1
Relalne Irequcnc)
WEEK 6
3
7
figure 9. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 4-6.
6. Orientation
Orientation,defined by the number of other subjects located in the frontal visual space of a subject, is shown in Figure 6 for each subject during each of the nine weekly recording sessions. Subject B (Commander) shows the most stable course, although there is a decrease in weeks 7-9. The other subjects showed peak values in weeks 5 and 6. The nature of the activities has an effect on the orientation, which is shown in Figure 7. During collective tasks (meeting and dinner) the number of subjects located in the frontal visual space of each subject was much higher than during the pursuit of individual activities (working and leisure).
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 76
Rclainc Ircqucnc!
3200 7
Figure 10. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 7-9.
C. Posture
Twelve postures have been distinguished in the analysisof the video recordings. They are indicated as symbols in Figures 8, 9 and 10. For each subject the frequencies of these postures have been plotted in these figures. Figure 8 presents the findings in weeks 1, 2, and 3, Figure 9 those in weeks 4,5, and 6, Figure 10 those in weeks 7 , 8 , and 9. The patterns did not change much in the course of time. In all weeks the seatedpositionis the most frequent,and the standingposition next. A wide range of other flexed postures vaned as a function of the individuals and over time. Subject D was often lying down (weeks 1,7, and 9). while subject G
2 77
Ethological Analysis
Ads contrlbutlon
axis 2: 20 % axis 3: 10 R:
Figure 11. Correlation of inter-individual distances, orientations and postures according to week of isolation. Correspondence factorial analysis was used.
was sitting most frequently. Subject H typically occupied flexed body positions. Subjects G and H were in more stretched postures in weeks 6-9. D. Correlations
The frequencies of inter-individualdistances (personal, social, public), orientations (0-3) and postures (a-l) have been correlated by week by means of correspondence factorial analysis. The results are shown in Figure 11. In weeks 1-3 social distances (120-360 cm) are linked with orientations towards 2 or 3 subjects. In week 5 orientations involving the maximum 3 subjects are linked with social distances. In week 9 public distances (>360 cm) are linked with orientations towards one subject only. In a similar way distances, orientations, and postures have been correlated by subject. The results are presented in Figure 12. Subject H appears to be clearly distinguishedfrom the others in relation to the horizontal axis fl. The axis f l seems to separate the gender of the subjects. Subject D is characterized by orienting
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 78
f
AXIScontrlbutlon
Figure 12, Correlation of inter-individual distances, orientations and postures according to subject. Correspondencefactorial analysis was used.
himself away from the other crew members, while subject B is associated with a wider range of orientations.
IV. DISCUSSION Living and working in a small mixed group during the 60-day period of isolation and confinement of the EXEMSI project induced changes in spatial behavior, both at the level of the individual crew member and at the level of the crew as a whole. Even the members of the ground control crew were found to present behavioral disturbances in terms of decreased attention in the performance of a simple task during the experimental period. The main changes in behavior of the confined crew members must be considered on an individual basis, because the subjects performed different spatial activities, characterized by a wide range of inter-individual distances between each pair of subjects. The female crew member (subject H) kept in closer range to the others than any of the other crew members did. There were changes in inter-individual distances in the course of time, but no predominant affinity emerged.
Ethological Analysis
279
The orientations ofthe subjects, defined as number of other subjects faced, varied with time, but again without evidence of any regular social behavior. Each pair of subjects appeared to be very tight at least once during the isolation period with a cycle of a few weeks. Not surprisingly, the Commander (subject B)frequently has all crew members in his visual field during the entire period. This appeared as a consistent behavior in the course of time. There were no striking changes in posture during the experimental period. A very grouped body segment arrangement was often observed in subject H, while lying positions were typical for subject D. Considering the crew as a whole, three periods can be distinguished: 1. the initial period (weeks l-3), which is characterized by constant inter-
individual distances, with predominance of social space and frequent orientations towards two or three crew members; 2. the middle period (weeks 5-6), characterized by shorter inter-individual distances, with an increased use of personal and social space; 3. thc final period (weeks 7-9) shows an opposite behavior, characterized by a much increased use of public space and isolated positions facing few if any other crew members. Dominant postures during the entire period of confinement were seated, standing, and lying positions. During the second half of the isolation period the frequency of more or less stretched body positions increased. These relaxed positions may indicate reduction of tension and stress in this later phase of the mission. The data do not show dominant changes in the spatial behavior of the crew during the first three weeks of isolation. A tendency towards closer grouping characterizes the transitory nature of the middle period of the experiment, while the final period is marked by a dispersion of the crew members. In contrast, in the ISEMSI study a dispersion of the crew members in the middle period was noted, and a stable spatial behavior in the initial and final periods.’ Another difference is that during the entire 28-day isolation period of ISEMSI 5 to 9% of the distances were in the intimate space range, while in the present study no inter-individual distances in this range were observed.
V. CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial behavior towards each other of a group of three males and one female isolated and confined for a period of 60 days. Video recordings of the individual crew members in the habitat, laboratory, and transfer modules for a 4-hr period once weekly during the isolation period provided the material for analysis. The observed parameters were: inter-individual distance, orientation (number of other subjects faced), and posture. Three distinct periods are noted. The initial period was characterized by a rather constant spatial behavior of the crew with few changes in inter-individual distances.
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 80
The middle period of isolation (particularly weeks 5 and 6 ) showed a tendency tQwards closer grouping with decreased inter-individual distances (personal and social space). The final period (weeks 7-9) was marked by a dispersion of the crew members with increased inter-individual distances (public space) and more frequent isolated positions. Individual differences in behavioral strategy were noted. The Commander (subject B) kept the largest number of other crew members in his visual field. The orientation of the other subjects showed more variation. Dominant postures were: seated, standing, lying. Here also there were individual differences, for example, the female subject H frequently assumed a very grouped posture. During the second half of the isolation period stretched body positions became more frequent, suggesting reduced tension and stress. The observed spatial behavior indicates a weak cohesion of the crew with little tendency towards formation of a true social group in the course of isolation. The crew remained a group of individuals constituted for the purpose of the experiment. From her closer positions to the other subjects, it appears that the female crew member had a positive effect on group cohesiveness through an active social role. However, it seems that a longer period of confinement would be needed to turn the four crew members into a cohesive crew. The findings from these simulation studies and in earlier spaceflight observations suggest a possible use of ethological observation during space missions for the purpose of optimizing performance, physical and psychological fitness of the individual astronauts and group dynamics of the entire crew. It might be possible to establish a set of individual standards allowing detection of slight behavioral disturbances in an astronaut during the mission.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was supported by the European Space Agency through contract ESAMEDES nr. 9768192iFiFL.
REFERENCES 1. Tafforin. C. The Relationships between Orientation, Movement and Posture in Weightlessness: Preliminary Ethological Observations.Acra Asrrorinrrrica. 21(4):371-280. 2. Tafforin, C. Synthesis of Ethological Studies on Behavioral Adaptation of the Astronaut to Spaceflight Conditions. Acrn Asfronoirricn, 32(2):131-142, 1994. 3. Tafforin, C., Carnpan, R. Ethological Experiments on Human Orientation Behavior within a Three-Dimensional Space in Microgravity. Advnnces in Space Research, 4:4154 18, 1994. 4. Bonting, S.L.(Ed.) Advances in Space Biology and Medicine, Vol. 3. European Isolation and Confinement Study, JAI Press, Greenwich, Cr,1993. 5. Tafforin, C. Ethological Analysis of Spatial Behavior. In: Advances in Space Biology and Medicine, Vol. 3. European Isolation and Confinement Study (S.L. Bonting, Ed.), pp.81-94, JAI Press, Greenwich, London, 1993. 6. Hall, E.T., Ed. Ln Dinlension CaclrCe, Seuil. Paris, 1971.
Ethologica I Analysis 7. Baxter. J.C. Interpersonal Spacing in Natural Settings. Sociomerry 33(4):444456, 1970.
281
8. Hayduck, L.A. Personal Space: Where we now stand. Psychological Birlleriri. 94(2):193-335, 1993. 9. Patterson, M.L., Edinger. J.A. A Functional Analysis of Space in Social Interaction. In: Nonverbal Behavior arid Cornmirnicariori (A.W. Siegman and S.Feldstein, Eds.), Hillsdale. 1987. 10. Remland. M.S., Jones, T.S., Brinkman. H. Proxemic and Haptic Behavior in Three European Countries. Joirrnal of Nonverbal B e h i o r . 15(4):215-232. 1991. 11. Rivolier, J., Goldsmith, R.. Lugg. D.J..Taylor. A.J.W.. Eds.Man in rlie Anrarcric.Taylor & Francis. London, 1988.
ETHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CREW MEMBER BEHAVIOR: DISTANCES. ORIENTATIONS. AND POSTURES
Carole Tafforin I . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I1. MethodologicalApproach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . Video Recording Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Observed Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. DataAnalysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III. Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . Inter-Individual Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D . Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV. Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. Conclusions and Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advances in Space Biology and Medicine Volume 5. pages 263-281 Copyright 0 1996 by JAI Press h e All rights ofreproduetion in MYform reserved ISBN: 1-55938-970-2
.
.
263
264 265 265 265 266 266 268 275 276 277 278 279 280
2 64
CAROLE TAFFORIN
1. INTRODUCTION During a manned space mission the crew members have to adapt to a new environment, which is characterized on the one hand by new physical parameters, on the other hand by new psychosocial parameters. New physical parameters are weightlessness, three-dimensional configuration, and reduced living space. New psychosocial parameters are small group living, working together in close proximity, and social isolation. Adaptation to this new environment involves a number of processes, which include simultaneous physiological, psychological and behavioral modifications in the course of time. The present study is focused on investigating the behavioral modifications. Previous ethological observations of human motor behavior in parabolic flights and short-term spaceflights (8-10 days) have revealed the construction of individual strategies, which involve new patterns of movement, posture and orientation.' The adaptive process starts during the first seconds of microgravity with a spontaneous phase showing sensory-motorreflexes, followedduring the subsequent hours and days spent in these conditions by an integrative phase in which cognitive operationsare updated.2v3 The main findings are that the subject builds anew mental representation of the three-dimensional space and a new body scheme, as demonstrated by a wider range of body orientations (from head-up to head-down) associated with flexed body postures. During the ISEMSI study4 an ethological analysis of the spatial behavior of the six subjects confined for 28 days was camed out? The analysis showed the need for body mobility in a reduced space, leading to a decreased frequency of short inter-individual distances (0-40 cm), defined as intimate space! a predominance of social space (40-120 cm), and to a large extent personal space (12&360 cm) between the crew members. Effects of gender, age, and cultural group on interpersonal spacing have been observed in psychological experiments on the ground. Mixed groups with one or more female members are tighter than all-male groups? In interactions of pairs two females maintain less distance than two Interpersonal distances and body orientationsalso depend on nationality: Dutch pairs maintain greater distances than English pairs, which are less proximate than French pairs. However, in a mixed and transcultural (European countries) group no spatial pattern was clearly differentiated between the subjects." In addition, psychosocial studies during a long-term stay in the polar region (> 2-3 months) show decreased group cohesiveness, superficial interpersonal relationships and self-centered behavior, which are ascribed to the hostile physical environment and the difficulties in communicating with each other." All these experiments have in common that they deal with men and women who must live and work together in a small group in isolation and confinement for a long period of time, a situation analogous to that of a space crew. The present EXEMSI project, in which a mixed group of four was isolated for 60 days in a space station-like setting, offered a further opportunity to investigate the behavioral adaptation of such a group under conditions resembling a long-term
Ethological Analysis
2 65
space mission. The ethological analysis focused on the spatial organization of the crew members relative to each other. The changes in positions, orientations and postures during isolation were observed. The adaptive changes in the spatial activities of the individual subjects and of the group were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in an attempt to define the behavior governing their individual and collective strategies.
II. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH A. Video Recording Procedure
The technique, which is commonly employed in ethological studies, consisted of a descriptive and quantitative analysis of video recordings of the spontaneous motor behavior of the subjects during the performance of professional tasks and daily life activities in their living and working environment. The environment was composed of the isolation facility, in which the crew of one woman and three men lived and worked together during the 60-day isolation period. The facility with a total volume of 94.4 m3 comprised a habitat module (length 6.0 m, diam. 2.2 m, volume 23.5 m3), laboratory module (length 6.4 m, width 3.2 m, volume 43.0 m3), storage module, and transfer module. Inside the laboratory and habitat modules four wide-angle video cameras were symmetrically located, one at each end of the modules. The cameras were connected to a video recording device in the ground control room. The recording device included a timer (hour/min/sec), a mixer (4 pictures) and a recorder (VHStype; Pal system). The video signals from the four cameras were synchronized, mixed, and recorded on a single video picture. The ground control crew comprised three women and two men, one of whom was acting as crew interface coordinator (CIC). The latter maintained the recording schedule according to confidential instructions, which required recording a 4-hr sequence every Monday from 17:OO to 2 1 :OO during isolation weeks 1 through 9. This time slot included both collective activities (group meeting and dinner) and individual activities (working and leisure). During the preparation period, two months before isolation, the general features of the ethological analysis were explained to all subjects in a one-hour informative meeting.
B. Observed Parameters Three parameters were observed for a description of the spatial behavior of the chamber crew during isolation, which are explained in Figure 1: 1. the posirion of each subject relative to the chamber configuration (geocentric references) was measured in x,y coordinates (Figure la); 2. the orienrarion of the subject relative to the other subjects (exocentric references) was evaluated by the number of subjects (from 0 to 3) located in the visual space bounded by the frontal half-sphere of the subject (Figure lb);
CAROLE TAFFORIN
266 lbl ORlLNTAnONS (<)
rosIuRm
Figure I. Explanation of observed parameters: a) position, b) orientation,c) posture.
3. the posture was represented by the arrangement of the body segments of the subject (egocentric references; Figure lc). From the video recording the position, orientation and posture of each subject were determined every 2 minutes, which provided a total of 120 sets of measurements for each weekly continuous 4-hr recording. C. Data Analysis
Position and orientation descriptions were digitalized by means of a data plot and a Macintosh-I1 computer. The posture description was directly typed on the keyboard of the computer. Specific data processing programs were used to computerize inter-individual distances in cm, frequencies of orientationon a scale from 0 to 3, and postures in percent. In some cases, the distances have been divided according to Hall's classes (<40 cm; 40-120 cm; 120-360 cm; >360 cm). Nonparametric tests (standard error, chi2 test, contingency table and correspondence factorial analysis) were used for the statistical analysis of the data.
111. RESULTS The results are presented by descriptiveanalysis as a function of two variables: time (weeks 1 to 9) and individual (subjects B, D, G, and H). Apreliminary remark about the schedule of the video recordings is in order. The video sequences recorded by the acting CIC were not always initiated and ended at the scheduled hours (17:OO and 21:OO) every week. The actual recording hours are listed in Table 1.
Table 7. Schedule of Ethological Video Recordings week
start end
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 21:OO
17:OO 20:24
17:OO 2100
18:16 22:16
17:OO 2100
18:08 22:08
18:06 2206
Ajcragc distances lcrn)
uoo
,
I
04 . , 0 1
3
2
,
, 2
,
,
3
5
4
,
, 4
,
7
6
, 5
,
,
,
6
9 W - k
8
, 7
,
, 8
,
,
,
,
9 W - k
Contlngency Table Arulyds v 1
Total Chi-Square G Statistic Contingenc) CodIiclent Crdrner'c V
1"
382 579 376 057 252 1%
plm E 4
Figure 2. Weekly group averages of inter-individual distances. Top: distances in cm; middle: frequency of distances grouped in Hall's classes. 267
2 68
CAROLE TAFFORIN
A. Inter-Individual Distances Time Course of Group Average
Inter-individualdistances in cm, averaged for the subjects, are presented in Figure 2 (top) for each week during the isolation period. The changes seem to be relatively minor, except for a decrease in weeks 5 and 6, and a slight increase in week 9. Detailed analysis of the data showed that there was no change during the first three weeks, a slight increase in week 4 and again in week 9.
WEEK 1
Dirwncc Icm)
V
1600-
.
HC '
4j&@J HB
HD
CB
CD
BD
Subjcca
0
I
Figure 3. Box and Wisker plot of the distances between pairs of subjects in weeks 1 to 3 (HG refers to distance between subjects H and G, etc.).
Ethological Analysis
269
Diblancc (cmi lMll
WEEK 6 '
Figure 4. Box and Wisker plot of the distances between pairs of subjects in weeks 4 to 6.
The inter-individual distances are grouped according to Hall's classes in the middle part of Figure 2. No intimate distance (<40 cm) was observed, personal distances (4&120 cm) were seen in low frequencies, social (120-360 cm) and public distances (>360 cm) in higher frequencies. The isolation period can clearly be divided in three phases. During the initial phase (weeks 1 to 4) there was a predominance of large inter-individual distances (social and public). During the middle phase (weeks 5 and 6) the frequencies of personal and social distances
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 70 Distance(cm)
1600
.
..,~-
I(U0. 1400
NU, HX). '
2(X).
,Ew:-(j 0
7
4(j4:
WEEK 9
Dismnce (cm)
J(X)
WEEK I
.
increased, while those of public distances decreased. During the final phase (weeks 7 to 9), the frequency of public distances increased sharply, while those of social and personal distances decreased. Distances of Subject Pairs
Distances between each pair of subjects are shown in Box and Wisker plots for weeks 1-3 in Figure 3, for weeks 4-6 in Figure 4, and for weeks 7-9 in Figure 5. In the Box and Wisker plots 50% of the values (rectangle)are distributed around a median value (horizontal line in the rectangle), extreme values as circles above or
Average number 01 SubjeCt.5 Subject H 31
. . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . .
04 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
I
8
I
9
Week
Average number of subjects Subject B
32 1
l!--+
0
l
0
'
l ' U ' I ' I ' I ' I . I . I " 1 2 3 4 5 6 I 8 9Week
Average number of subjects Subject D 32 1
Figure 6. Average number of subjects located in the visual space of each subject for weeks 1-9 (bars indicate standard errors). 271
N
v
N
0
1
3 2
0
1
3 2
Number of subjects 0
0
SubjectH SubJectG SubjectB SubjectD
.............. ............... ..............
Week 4
Week 3
Week 2
Week 1
v
h 2
W
o
Time slot (hour)
I
2
1
*-
I
w m q -
I
3
4
I
Week 9
Week 8
Figure 7. Number of subjects located in the visual space of each subject during 4 hours of observation in weeks 1-9.
0
I
womo
Week 7
2 74
CAROLE TAFFORIN
. .
Relative frcauenc\
H . WEEK 1
I
[D F 1I I
G
chi2 1289 I p= 1.0000E-l
t/rW
T-
I
L t POSturts
Relative Irequcnc!
H .
WEEK 2
I
G
B. [ D F 11
Rclrli\c Ircquenc!
300
1
WEEK 3
I
E4D
I
chi2 389 I p= 1.0000E-4
1 I-H 1 I-G 1 I-B
Figure 8. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 1-3.
below the rectangles. Pairs are identified by the code letters for the two subjects (e.g., HG refers to the distances between subjects H and G). The closest pairs were HD in week 1, HB and BD in week 2, HB in week 3, GB in week 4, HG and BD in week 5 , HB and BD in week 6, HG and HB in week 7, and BD in week 8. No close pairs were observed in week 9. Over all, the female subject H maintained shorter distances with the male subjects B, D and G. No single pair predominated in either short or large inter-individual distances, and each pair has been observed at a very short inter-individual distance at least once during the isolation period.
Ethological Analysis
2 75
Rclatnc Ircqucnc)
3
7
.
.
300 1
Relalne Irequcnc)
WEEK 6
3
7
figure 9. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 4-6.
6. Orientation
Orientation,defined by the number of other subjects located in the frontal visual space of a subject, is shown in Figure 6 for each subject during each of the nine weekly recording sessions. Subject B (Commander) shows the most stable course, although there is a decrease in weeks 7-9. The other subjects showed peak values in weeks 5 and 6. The nature of the activities has an effect on the orientation, which is shown in Figure 7. During collective tasks (meeting and dinner) the number of subjects located in the frontal visual space of each subject was much higher than during the pursuit of individual activities (working and leisure).
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 76
Rclainc Ircqucnc!
3200 7
Figure 10. Frequency of each of 12 postures for each subject during weeks 7-9.
C. Posture
Twelve postures have been distinguished in the analysisof the video recordings. They are indicated as symbols in Figures 8, 9 and 10. For each subject the frequencies of these postures have been plotted in these figures. Figure 8 presents the findings in weeks 1, 2, and 3, Figure 9 those in weeks 4,5, and 6, Figure 10 those in weeks 7 , 8 , and 9. The patterns did not change much in the course of time. In all weeks the seatedpositionis the most frequent,and the standingposition next. A wide range of other flexed postures vaned as a function of the individuals and over time. Subject D was often lying down (weeks 1,7, and 9). while subject G
2 77
Ethological Analysis
Ads contrlbutlon
axis 2: 20 % axis 3: 10 R:
Figure 11. Correlation of inter-individual distances, orientations and postures according to week of isolation. Correspondence factorial analysis was used.
was sitting most frequently. Subject H typically occupied flexed body positions. Subjects G and H were in more stretched postures in weeks 6-9. D. Correlations
The frequencies of inter-individualdistances (personal, social, public), orientations (0-3) and postures (a-l) have been correlated by week by means of correspondence factorial analysis. The results are shown in Figure 11. In weeks 1-3 social distances (120-360 cm) are linked with orientations towards 2 or 3 subjects. In week 5 orientations involving the maximum 3 subjects are linked with social distances. In week 9 public distances (>360 cm) are linked with orientations towards one subject only. In a similar way distances, orientations, and postures have been correlated by subject. The results are presented in Figure 12. Subject H appears to be clearly distinguishedfrom the others in relation to the horizontal axis fl. The axis f l seems to separate the gender of the subjects. Subject D is characterized by orienting
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 78
f
AXIScontrlbutlon
Figure 12, Correlation of inter-individual distances, orientations and postures according to subject. Correspondencefactorial analysis was used.
himself away from the other crew members, while subject B is associated with a wider range of orientations.
IV. DISCUSSION Living and working in a small mixed group during the 60-day period of isolation and confinement of the EXEMSI project induced changes in spatial behavior, both at the level of the individual crew member and at the level of the crew as a whole. Even the members of the ground control crew were found to present behavioral disturbances in terms of decreased attention in the performance of a simple task during the experimental period. The main changes in behavior of the confined crew members must be considered on an individual basis, because the subjects performed different spatial activities, characterized by a wide range of inter-individual distances between each pair of subjects. The female crew member (subject H) kept in closer range to the others than any of the other crew members did. There were changes in inter-individual distances in the course of time, but no predominant affinity emerged.
Ethological Analysis
279
The orientations ofthe subjects, defined as number of other subjects faced, varied with time, but again without evidence of any regular social behavior. Each pair of subjects appeared to be very tight at least once during the isolation period with a cycle of a few weeks. Not surprisingly, the Commander (subject B)frequently has all crew members in his visual field during the entire period. This appeared as a consistent behavior in the course of time. There were no striking changes in posture during the experimental period. A very grouped body segment arrangement was often observed in subject H, while lying positions were typical for subject D. Considering the crew as a whole, three periods can be distinguished: 1. the initial period (weeks l-3), which is characterized by constant inter-
individual distances, with predominance of social space and frequent orientations towards two or three crew members; 2. the middle period (weeks 5-6), characterized by shorter inter-individual distances, with an increased use of personal and social space; 3. thc final period (weeks 7-9) shows an opposite behavior, characterized by a much increased use of public space and isolated positions facing few if any other crew members. Dominant postures during the entire period of confinement were seated, standing, and lying positions. During the second half of the isolation period the frequency of more or less stretched body positions increased. These relaxed positions may indicate reduction of tension and stress in this later phase of the mission. The data do not show dominant changes in the spatial behavior of the crew during the first three weeks of isolation. A tendency towards closer grouping characterizes the transitory nature of the middle period of the experiment, while the final period is marked by a dispersion of the crew members. In contrast, in the ISEMSI study a dispersion of the crew members in the middle period was noted, and a stable spatial behavior in the initial and final periods.’ Another difference is that during the entire 28-day isolation period of ISEMSI 5 to 9% of the distances were in the intimate space range, while in the present study no inter-individual distances in this range were observed.
V. CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial behavior towards each other of a group of three males and one female isolated and confined for a period of 60 days. Video recordings of the individual crew members in the habitat, laboratory, and transfer modules for a 4-hr period once weekly during the isolation period provided the material for analysis. The observed parameters were: inter-individual distance, orientation (number of other subjects faced), and posture. Three distinct periods are noted. The initial period was characterized by a rather constant spatial behavior of the crew with few changes in inter-individual distances.
CAROLE TAFFORIN
2 80
The middle period of isolation (particularly weeks 5 and 6 ) showed a tendency tQwards closer grouping with decreased inter-individual distances (personal and social space). The final period (weeks 7-9) was marked by a dispersion of the crew members with increased inter-individual distances (public space) and more frequent isolated positions. Individual differences in behavioral strategy were noted. The Commander (subject B) kept the largest number of other crew members in his visual field. The orientation of the other subjects showed more variation. Dominant postures were: seated, standing, lying. Here also there were individual differences, for example, the female subject H frequently assumed a very grouped posture. During the second half of the isolation period stretched body positions became more frequent, suggesting reduced tension and stress. The observed spatial behavior indicates a weak cohesion of the crew with little tendency towards formation of a true social group in the course of isolation. The crew remained a group of individuals constituted for the purpose of the experiment. From her closer positions to the other subjects, it appears that the female crew member had a positive effect on group cohesiveness through an active social role. However, it seems that a longer period of confinement would be needed to turn the four crew members into a cohesive crew. The findings from these simulation studies and in earlier spaceflight observations suggest a possible use of ethological observation during space missions for the purpose of optimizing performance, physical and psychological fitness of the individual astronauts and group dynamics of the entire crew. It might be possible to establish a set of individual standards allowing detection of slight behavioral disturbances in an astronaut during the mission.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was supported by the European Space Agency through contract ESAMEDES nr. 9768192iFiFL.
REFERENCES 1. Tafforin. C. The Relationships between Orientation, Movement and Posture in Weightlessness: Preliminary Ethological Observations.Acra Asrrorinrrrica. 21(4):371-280. 2. Tafforin, C. Synthesis of Ethological Studies on Behavioral Adaptation of the Astronaut to Spaceflight Conditions. Acrn Asfronoirricn, 32(2):131-142, 1994. 3. Tafforin, C., Carnpan, R. Ethological Experiments on Human Orientation Behavior within a Three-Dimensional Space in Microgravity. Advnnces in Space Research, 4:4154 18, 1994. 4. Bonting, S.L.(Ed.) Advances in Space Biology and Medicine, Vol. 3. European Isolation and Confinement Study, JAI Press, Greenwich, Cr,1993. 5. Tafforin, C. Ethological Analysis of Spatial Behavior. In: Advances in Space Biology and Medicine, Vol. 3. European Isolation and Confinement Study (S.L. Bonting, Ed.), pp.81-94, JAI Press, Greenwich, London, 1993. 6. Hall, E.T., Ed. Ln Dinlension CaclrCe, Seuil. Paris, 1971.
Ethologica I Analysis 7. Baxter. J.C. Interpersonal Spacing in Natural Settings. Sociomerry 33(4):444456, 1970.
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8. Hayduck, L.A. Personal Space: Where we now stand. Psychological Birlleriri. 94(2):193-335, 1993. 9. Patterson, M.L., Edinger. J.A. A Functional Analysis of Space in Social Interaction. In: Nonverbal Behavior arid Cornmirnicariori (A.W. Siegman and S.Feldstein, Eds.), Hillsdale. 1987. 10. Remland. M.S., Jones, T.S., Brinkman. H. Proxemic and Haptic Behavior in Three European Countries. Joirrnal of Nonverbal B e h i o r . 15(4):215-232. 1991. 11. Rivolier, J., Goldsmith, R.. Lugg. D.J..Taylor. A.J.W.. Eds.Man in rlie Anrarcric.Taylor & Francis. London, 1988.