Perception of dynamic facial expressions of emotion

Abstract

In order to assess subjects' ability to recognize facially expressed emotions it is more realistic to present dynamic instead of static facial expressions. So far, no time windows for the optimal presentation for that kind of stimuli have been reported. We presented dynamic displays where the face evolves from a neutral to an emotional expression to normal subjects. This study measured the optimal velocities in which facial expressions were perceived as being natural. Subjects (N=46) viewed morphed sequences with facial emotions and could adjust the velocity until satisfied with the natural appearance. Velocities for each emotion are reported. Emotions differed significantly in their optimal velocities. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.