Lecture 8 - From Psychophysiology to Affective Computing

Question 1

What is wrong with James’ Theory of Emotions?

Answer 1

He focusses on the phenomenal quality of emotions.
Always generates in all contexts;
Suitable stimuli -> bodily changes -> emotion

He assumes a one-to-one relationship, which is not always true

Considers emotion as a side function with a one-to-one relationship between the bodily change and emotions in all context

Question 2

Arnold and Lazarus “Appraisal Theory”; what did they say?

Answer 2

This later became the OCC model.

They bring in the cognitive processing of something

• First appraise its relevance; is it present or absent? In line with goals? Can I cope with that?
• Then react
• Suitable stimuli -> appraisal (+ mental feelings = emotions) -> bodily changes
• The power of emotions is to focus our body and mind

Question 3

Ekman’s theory of emotions (expression)

Answer 3

1. Anger
2. Joy
3. Disgust
4. Suprise
5. Sadness
6. Fear

Question 4

How psychological research focused over time:

Answer 4

1. Consciousness; emotions are negative, weak, female
2. Behaviour; internal states are forbidden
3. Cognition; mental states are allowed
4. Emotions; emotions are positive, needed for survival, powerful
5. Affective computing; how to deploy emotions in technology

Question 5

Rosalind Picards opinion about emotions in technology;

Answer 5

The question is not whether intelligent machines can have any emotion, but whether machines can be intelligent without them.

How can we design machines that will reliably sense our emotional state, and respond accordingly?