Search results for "basic emotions"

Expression of emotion through musical parameters in 3- and 5-year-olds

2019

While the use of musical parameters for emotional expression has been extensively studied, little is known about which specific musical parameters children at different ages are able to use for expressing specific emotions. We used a novel interface called Music Box that allows modification of musical parameters while music is being played in real time. Children (N = 37, 18 girls) at the age of 3 and 5 were asked to modify three parameters – tempo, loudness, and pitch – in expressing three emotions – happiness, sadness, and anger. We hypothesised that both 5-year-olds and 3-year-olds could use each of the parameters in differentiating between the emotions. Results showed that 3-year-olds we…

Commentary: Constructing nonhuman animal emotion

2017

A New, Better BET: Rescuing and Revising Basic Emotion Theory

2018

Basic Emotion Theory, or BET, has dominated the affective sciences for decades (Ekman, 1972, 1992, 1999; Ekman and Davidson, 1994; Griffiths, 2013; Scarantino and Griffiths, 2011). It has been highly influential, driving a number of empirical lines of research (e.g., in the context of facial expression detection, neuroimaging studies and evolutionary psychology). Nevertheless, BET has been criticized by philosophers, leading to calls for it to be jettisoned entirely (Colombetti, 2014; Hufendiek, 2016). This paper defuses those criticisms. In addition, it shows that we have good reason to retain BET. Finally, it reviews and puts to rest worries that BET's commitment to affect programs render…

Structural factors in preschool children's emotional expression in music

2011

Recent studies have substantiated that preschool children are able to perceive the emotional meaning in music. However, to date, research has not paid enough attention to children’s emotional expression in music. The current study investigated 3- (N=18) and 5- (N=19) year-old children’s ability to express emotion with music by manipulating musical factors (pitch, loudness and tempo) to indicate one of three basic emotions (happiness, sadness or angriness). In order to facilitate the recognition of emotions three images of faces were presented representing target emotions. Three musical pieces differing in terms of emotional quality were presented in random order and participants were asked …