Facial expressions

Question 1

What is the evidence that suggest facial expressions are biological and unconscious?

Answer 1

2 facial conditions
- volitional facial paresis - impaired voluntary movements but can produce emotional facial movements
emotional facial paresis - impaired emotional facial movements but normal facial movements.
Shows emotonal facial movements are controlled in different parts of the brain unconsciously.

Evolutionary studies/theory show emotional facial expressions are shared between species so must have an evolutionary component leading to hereditary components showing their must be genetic components showing they must be biological.

Question 2

Further evidence that facial expressions are innate in ability.

Answer 2

Same across cultures even tribes which are isolated produce these same recognisable facial expression.
Same with blind people and babies - showing limited underlying basis that facial expressions are learnt.

Question 3

Evidence against

Answer 3

Facial expressions across cultures do have slight differences showing their must also be socio-cultural influences.