GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

“Ekman versus Scherer”or

“What is important torecognize/express emotion?”

(Selected GERG studies directed by Susanne kaiser)

2GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

:p

vs

3GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Facial expression

2 theoretical approaches:• “Discrete emotions” (Ekman, 1992; Ekman & Frisen,

1975: EMFACS)• “Appraisal theory” of emotion (Scherer, 1984, 1992)

Expressedemotion

Emotionalattribution

cues

4GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

2 theories, 2 sets of predictions:the example of Anger

(EMFACS)

5GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Cumulative effect of appraisals on facial muscles

Novelty

Unpleasantness

Goal-obstructiveness

High control / High power

6GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Cues manipulation: in synthesis

• Cues are manipulated (synthetized faces) acc to EMFACS predictions and to appraisal patterns predictions

• Effects of different configurations (static and dynamic) on emotional attributions have been assessed by Wehrle et al. (2000)

Expressedemotion

Emotionalattribution

cues

7GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Cues manipulation: in observation

• Cognitive appraisals are “manipulated” in the context of a computer game

• Effects of different appraisals on facial expressions have been reported in Kaiser, Wehrle, & Schmidt (1998)

• Indications that basic emotions are not sufficiently differentiated to account for facial expressions

Expressedemotion

Emotionalattribution

cues

8GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Facial appraisal patterns (1)

Report: “Anger”Appraisal: “Unfair”

9GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Facial appraisal patterns (2)

Report: “Anger”Appraisal: “Blame

someone (who did it on purpose)”

10GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Facial appraisal patterns (3)

Report: “Anger”Appraisal: “Blame

the other AND oneself”

11GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Conclusions (1)

• Different expressions for the same basic emotion

• Individual differences in expressivity are large

• Similar observations can be made for– Vocal expressions– Physiological reactions– Gestures, postures

12GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Next steps

• Integration of multiple channels– One attempt for voice + physiology

(Johnstone & Scherer, 1999)– Especially important for

• Better undestanding single channels• Realism in building ECAs

• Use of ECAs to address available theories

13GERG • Santorini, 18-21 June, 2004

Thank you!