Descriptive and prescriptive definitions of emotion

Abstract

Izard (2010) did not seek a descriptive definition of emotion-one that describes the concept as it is used by ordinary folk. Instead, he surveyed scientists' prescriptive definitions-ones that prescribe how the concept should be used in theories of emotion. That survey showed a lack of agreement today and thus raised doubts about emotion as a useful scientific concept. © 2010 SAGE Publications and The International Society for Research on Emotion.