Towards a conceptual framework of adaptivity in face-to-face-interaction: an interdisciplinary review of adaptivity concepts

ABSTRACT The pervasive phenomenon of adaptivity in face-to-face interaction is described inconsistently, using numerous concepts (e.g. alignment/attunement/complementarity/imitation/reciprocity/scaffolding/synchrony), impeding the streamlining of adaptivity research. We explored 33 adaptivity concepts and various adaptivity theories from different fields. We developed a theory-based conceptual framework consisting of two key dimensions. Relatedness refers to how people’s actions should relate to each other to be considered adaptive and is described in terms of sameness (e.g. both friendly), oppositeness (e.g. dominant/submissive), or specified attentiveness (dissimilar acts). Responsivity refers to the timing of people’s actions (sequential/simultaneous). The framework helps to understand what key elements adaptivity consists of. The framework can help transcending the concept and discipline level and examining and synthesizing research pertaining to adaptivity with similar dimensional characteristics.