Peculiarities of Categorical Perception of Dynamic Expressions of Complex Emotions

Abstract

<p>We studied the categorical perception of dynamic expressions of complex emotions. A cluster analysis of perception of 70 expressions of 31 complex emotions from the CAM database was performed. An analysis of the consistency of assessments was carried out, and the signs of basic emotions in the assessments of the perception of expressions of complex emotions demonstrated by 1–3 different posers were investigated. In general, a low level of consistency in the assessments of the perception of expressions of complex emotions of negative categories is shown, in contrast to positive ones, which are evaluated more consistently. An analysis of the intensity of the leading features of basic emotions in the assessments of the expressions of different posers demonstrating the same complex emotion showed the dominance of a relatively stable structure of categories. Most of the expressions of different posers demonstrating the same complex emotion (69.33%) have similar assessments of the leading signs of basic emotions and fall into the same category, but a number of the expressions of complex emotions (30.77%) have more pronounced signs of additional basic emotions and fall into different categories. These emotions do not have a single mimic pattern and may have signs of basic emotions of opposite valence. The categorical perception of complex emotions is diverse and requires additional research.</p>