PSYC 2410 Chapter Notes -Robert Fitzroy, Erasmus Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace
1 Aug 2013
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Why do all humans show the same kind of expression to communicate their difference emotions? (evolution) What is the evolutionary reason: important to read into each other s emotions. Comparative method: precursors: behaviour does not leave fossil records, must look to similar species to see if there are precursors to our facial expressions. What parts of the brain are involved in the production and recognition of smiling? (mechanisms) Mirror neurons (the basis for imitation: active when animal is recording a certain behaviour and also active when imitating someone else performing behaviour or when someone is imitating them. We re better at recognizing facial expressions in upright position: upside down orientation we become confused. The flamingo"s pink legs are thought to be camouflage against the sunset when they are actually due to a diet of shrimps. Problem: not mutually exclusive, both could be correct, both why (camouflage) and how (diet) questions. Evidence / ways to see evolution: fossil records.
