The classification of facial emotions: a computer-based taxonomic approach

I Pilowsky; Mary Katsikitis

doi:10.1016/0165-0327(94)90152-X

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The classification of facial emotions: a computer-based taxonomic approach

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The classification of facial emotions: a computer-based taxonomic approach

I Pilowsky and Mary Katsikitis

Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.30(1), pp.61-71

1994

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(94)90152-X

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Abstract

Medical and Health Sciences

Psychology and Cognitive Sciences

facial expression

classification

taxonomy

This study investigated whether the six 'fundamental' expressions of emotion each have configurational properties which would result in their being grouped into classes by a classification program. Twenty-three actors posed the six 'fundamental' emotions of happiness, surprise, fear, disgust, anger, sadness and a neutral expression. Still images of these videotaped expressions were digitised and distance measures between facial landmark points were obtained. These measures were subjected to a numerical taxonomy procedure which generated five classes. Class 1 contained almost 70% of the happiness expressions. In Class 2 the majority of expressions were of surprise. Each of classes three, four and five consisted of mixtures of emotions. Class 5 however, was distinguished from all other classes by the complete absence of happiness expressions. The typical facial appearance of members of each class is described (based on distance measures). These findings support the salience of happiness among emotional expressions and may have implications for our understanding of the brain's function in the early development of the human infant as a social organism.

Details

Title: The classification of facial emotions: a computer-based taxonomic approach
Authors: I Pilowsky (Author) - University of Adelaide
Mary Katsikitis (Author) - University of Adelaide
Publication details: Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.30(1), pp.61-71
Publisher: Elsevier BV
DOI: 10.1016/0165-0327(94)90152-X
ISSN: 0165-0327
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Social Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450913202621
Output Type: Journal article

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