Hemispheric Asymmetry and Emotional Expression
Running Head: Asymmetry and emotional expression
Hemispheric asymmetry and emotional expression: Which side of the brain is happier?
Word Count: 1,458
Abstract
An experiment was conducted among university students to determine whether a particular side of the human face (and its corresponding lateral brain hemisphere) depicted a certain emotion more intensely than the other. The 396 University students were instructed to view a video containing 12 slides with 2 human faces depicted on each. The faces were placed over each other so that the participant could clearly see any distinctions between expression. The images were of composite faces, a left side face and its reflection as well as a right side face and its reflection. Otherwise known as LL and RR composites, respectively. The participants then decided which one of the two faces expressed the emotion of happiness more intensely. Results were then recorded. The results indicated the majority of participants considered the RR composite exhibited the emotion of happiness more intensely. Although this may be the case when considering the emotion of happiness, further research is needed to determine how and why positive and negative emotions are separated within the hemispheres of the brain.
To accurately perceive emotion on another human being is a useful social tool for the perceiver. It allows better interaction as well as the ability to identify other people’s emotional states (Oosterof And Todorov, 2009). Observations and various experimental evidence has revealed that the human face is not always symmetrical, especially when displaying emotion (Borod, Yecker, Santschi and Schmidt, 1998). Thus, it is important to note that along with these facial asymmetries, there exist brain asymmetries which
Hemispheric asymmetry and emotional expression: Which side of the brain is happier?
Word Count: 1,458
Abstract
An experiment was conducted among university students to determine whether a particular side of the human face (and its corresponding lateral brain hemisphere) depicted a certain emotion more intensely than the other. The 396 University students were instructed to view a video containing 12 slides with 2 human faces depicted on each. The faces were placed over each other so that the participant could clearly see any distinctions between expression. The images were of composite faces, a left side face and its reflection as well as a right side face and its reflection. Otherwise known as LL and RR composites, respectively. The participants then decided which one of the two faces expressed the emotion of happiness more intensely. Results were then recorded. The results indicated the majority of participants considered the RR composite exhibited the emotion of happiness more intensely. Although this may be the case when considering the emotion of happiness, further research is needed to determine how and why positive and negative emotions are separated within the hemispheres of the brain.
To accurately perceive emotion on another human being is a useful social tool for the perceiver. It allows better interaction as well as the ability to identify other people’s emotional states (Oosterof And Todorov, 2009). Observations and various experimental evidence has revealed that the human face is not always symmetrical, especially when displaying emotion (Borod, Yecker, Santschi and Schmidt, 1998). Thus, it is important to note that along with these facial asymmetries, there exist brain asymmetries which
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