Transmitting and decoding facial expressions

Smith, M.L., Cottrell, G.W., Gosselin, F. and Schyns, P.G. (2005) Transmitting and decoding facial expressions. Psychological Science, 16(3), pp. 184-189. (doi: 10.1111/j.0956-7976.2005.00801.x)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

This article examines the human face as a transmitter of expression signals and the brain as a decoder of these expression signals. If the face has evolved to optimize transmission of such signals, the basic facial expressions should have minimal overlap in their information. If the brain has evolved to optimize categorization of expressions, it should be efficient with the information available from the transmitter for the task. In this article, we characterize the information underlying the recognition of the six basic facial expression signals and evaluate how efficiently each expression is decoded by the underlying brain structures.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Dr Marie and Schyns, Professor Philippe
Authors: Smith, M.L., Cottrell, G.W., Gosselin, F., and Schyns, P.G.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Psychological Science
ISSN:0956-7976
ISSN (Online):1467-9280
Published Online:22 February 2005

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record