Using genetic algorithms to uncover individual differences in how humans represent facial emotion

Emotional facial expressions critically impact social interactions and cognition. However, emotion research to date has generally relied on the assumption that people represent categorical emotions in the same way, using standardized stimulus sets and overlooking important individual differences. To resolve this problem, we developed and tested a task using genetic algorithms to derive assumption-free, participant-generated emotional expressions. One hundred and five participants generated a subjective representation of happy, angry, fearful and sad faces. Population-level consistency was observed for happy faces, but fearful and sad faces showed a high degree of variability. High test–retest reliability was observed across all emotions. A separate group of 108 individuals accurately identified happy and angry faces from the first study, while fearful and sad faces were commonly misidentified. These findings are an important first step towards understanding individual differences in emotion representation, with the potential to reconceptualize the way we study atypical emotion processing in future research.

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Using evolutionary algorithms to uncover individual differences in how humans represent facial emotion

10.31234/osf.io/9fta2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christina Carlisi ◽

Kyle Reed ◽

Fleur G L Helmink ◽

Robert Lachlan ◽

Darren P Cosker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Cognition ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Emotion Processing ◽

Population Level ◽

Emotional Expressions ◽

Emotional Facial Expressions ◽

Relative Population ◽

Cognition And Emotion ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

High Degree

How humans perceive and represent emotional facial expressions critically guides social interactions and has a profound impact on social cognition. However, much emotion research to date is potentially flawed by relying on the assumption that people represent categorical emotions in the same way, using standardised stimulus sets and therefore overlooking important individual differences in emotion processing. To resolve this problem, we developed a task using Genetic Algorithms and derived participant-generated emotional expressions from 105 individuals. A separate group (N=108) was then asked to identify the expression on these faces. Taken together, results showed relative population-level consistency in the representation of happy faces alongside a high degree of variability in the representation of fear and sadness. High test-retest reliability was observed. This novel method enables the efficient quantification of variation in how people represent emotional expressions, presenting promising advances for the study of individual differences in social cognition and emotion processing.

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Knowing me, knowing you: Emotion differentiation in oneself is associated with recognition of others’ emotions

10.31234/osf.io/6fdgr ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jacob Israelashvlili

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Emotion Recognition ◽

Facial Expressions ◽

Interpersonal Skills ◽

Negative Emotion ◽

Emotional Experience ◽

Emotional Expressions ◽

Emotional Facial Expressions ◽

Emotional Information ◽

Emotion Differentiation

Previous research has found that individuals vary greatly in emotion differentiation, that is, the extent to which they distinguish between different emotions when reporting on their own feelings. Building on previous work that has shown that emotion differentiation is associated with individual differences in intrapersonal functions, the current study asks whether emotion differentiation is also related to interpersonal skills. Specifically, we examined whether individuals who are high in emotion differentiation would be more accurate in recognizing others’ emotional expressions. We report two studies in which we used an established paradigm tapping negative emotion differentiation and several emotion recognition tasks. In Study 1 (N = 363), we found that individuals high in emotion differentiation were more accurate in recognizing others’ emotional facial expressions. Study 2 (N = 217), replicated this finding using emotion recognition tasks with varying amounts of emotional information. These findings suggest that the knowledge we use to understand our own emotional experience also helps us understand the emotions of others.

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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Antibody: Patterns of Persistence and Rate of Decline Following the Second Dose of the MMR Vaccine

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofx163.756 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S321-S321

Author(s):

Emma Seagle ◽

Robert Bednarczyk ◽

Tenisha Hill ◽

Amy Parker Fiebelkorn ◽

Carole Hickman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Geometric Mean ◽

Population Level ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Future Research ◽

Mmr Vaccine ◽

Antibody Persistence ◽

Rate Of Decline ◽

Antibody Decline ◽

High Degree ◽

Rubella Antibody

Abstract Background Antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella decline an estimated average of 3% per year, and have a high degree of variation among individuals. Yet, this variation and differences in individual-level response to the 3 antigens are not well understood. To better understand potential implications on individual and population-level susceptibility, we reanalyzed existing longitudinal data to identify patterns of seropositivity and antibody persistence. Methods Wisconsin children given the second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR2) at age 4–6 years were followed up to 12 years postvaccination. The rate of antibody decline and factors associated with the rate of decline were assessed using regression models that accounted for differences between and among subjects. Results Most of the 302 participants were seropositive throughout follow-up (96% measles, 88% mumps, 79% rubella). The rate of antibody decline was associated with MMR2 response and baseline titer for measles and age at first dose of MMR (MMR1) for rubella. None of the demographic or clinical factors examined were associated with rate of decline for mumps. One month after MMR2, geometric mean titer (GMT) to measles was high (3892 mIU/mL), but declined on average 9.7% per year among subjects with the same baseline titer and <2-fold increase in antibody titer after MMR2. Subjects with ≥2-fold increase experienced a slower decline (≤7.4%). GMT to rubella was 149 IU/mL one month after MMR2 and declined 2.6% and 5.9% per year among those who received MMR1 at 12–15 months and >15 months, respectively. GMT to mumps one month after MMR2 was 151 and declined 9.2% per year. Only 14% of participants had the same trends in antibody persistence for all 3 antigens. Conclusion The rate of antibody decay varied substantially among individuals and among the 3 antigens. Despite waning titers, measles and rubella antibody levels remained high 12 years post MMR2. However, a fast rate of decline and high degree of variation was observed for mumps, yet no predictors of the decline were identified. Future research should focus on better understanding waning antibody titers to mumps and its impact on community protection and individual susceptibility, in light of recent mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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Development of the Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ)

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000238 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 302-309 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maria Pedro Sobral ◽

Maria Emília Costa

Keyword(s):

Convergent Validity ◽

Discriminant Validity ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Dimensional Structure ◽

Future Research ◽

Fear Of Intimacy ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

New Instrument ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract. We developed a new instrument designed to measure fear of intimacy in romantic relationships. We suggest assessing fear of intimacy through two dimensions: self-revelation and dependence. The Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ) was validated across three studies in which a 10-item solution systematically emerged. Consistently with a two component perspective, a two-factor solution fitted data the best: fear of losing the self (FLS) and fear of losing the other (FLO). Qualitative analyses verified content validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses tested the factor structure. Multigroup analyses supported the structural invariance across gender, age, and relationship status. Both factors showed adequate discriminant validity and internal consistency, and good 3-week period test-retest reliability. Associations between the FICQ and insecure attachment orientations demonstrated convergent validity. The association between the FICQ and relationship satisfaction above and beyond a preexisting measure offered criterion validity. By going beyond traditional self-revelation-focused conception of fear of intimacy, that is, by proposing a bi-dimensional structure to fear of intimacy, we believe that this new measure will contribute to future research on fear of intimacy.

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Morphological peculiarities of seeds of some species of the genus Epipactis Zinn. (Orchidaceae Juss.) of Ukrainian flora

Biolohichni systemy ◽

10.31861/biosystems2019.01.093 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 93-100

Author(s):

T Ljubka ◽

O Tsarenko ◽

I Tymchenko

Keyword(s):

Seed Coat ◽

Cell Walls ◽

Morphological Study ◽

Population Level ◽

Intercellular Spaces ◽

Different Populations ◽

Periclinal Walls ◽

High Degree ◽

Shape And Size ◽

Generative Organs

The investigation of macro- and micromorphological peculiarities of seeds of four species of genus Epipactis (Orchidaceae) of Ukrainian flora were carried out. The genus Epipactis is difficult in the in in taxonomic terms and for its representatives are characterized by polymorphism of morphological features of vegetative and generative organs of plants and ability of species to hybridize. The aim of the research was to perform a comparative morphological study of seeds of E. helleborine, E. albensis, E. palustris, E. purpurata and to determine carpological features that could more accurately identify species at the stage of fruiting. A high degree of variation in the shape of the seeds in different populations within the species and overlap of most quantitative carpological characteristics of studied species are noted. There were no significant differences in micromorphological features of the structure of the testa at species or population level. The reticulate surface of the testa is characteristic of all species, the cells of testa are mostly elongated, penta-hexagonal, individual cells almost isodiametric-pentagonal. From the micropillary to the chalasal end, a noticeable change in the shape and size of the seed coat cells is not observed. There are no intercellular spaces, the anticlinal walls of adjacent cells are intergrown and the boundaries between them become invisible. The outer periclinal walls have a single, mainly longitudinal thin ribbed thickenings. Anticlinal cell walls are thick, dense, smooth. The longitudinal Anticlinal walls are almost straight, transverse - straight or sometimes curved in some cells. Epicuticular deposits on the periclinal walls are absent. It is concluded that the use of macro and micromorphological characteristics of seeds of these species for clearer diagnosis at the stage of fruiting is low informative.

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The use of nocturnal flights for barrier crossing in a diurnally migrating songbird

Movement Ecology ◽

10.1186/s40462-021-00257-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christie D. Lavallée ◽

Saeedeh Bani Assadi ◽

Alicia M. Korpach ◽

James D. Ray ◽

Jason D. Fischer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Savings ◽

Open Water ◽

Gps Tracking ◽

Future Research ◽

Barrier Crossing ◽

Migration Patterns ◽

Migration Strategies ◽

Diurnal Migrant ◽

Time And Energy ◽

High Degree

Abstract Background The migration patterns of land birds can generally be divided into those species that migrate principally during the day and those that migrate during the night. Some species may show individual plasticity in the use of day or night flight, particularly when crossing large, open-water or desert barriers. However, individual plasticity in circadian patterns of migratory flights in diurnally migrating songbirds has never been investigated. Methods We used high precision GPS tracking of a diurnal, migratory swallow, the purple martin (Progne subis), to determine whether individuals were flexible in their spring migration strategies to include some night flight, particularly at barrier crossing. Results Most (91%) of individuals made large (sometimes > 1000 km), open-water crossings of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico that included the use of night flight. 32% of all water crossings were initiated at night, demonstrating that night flight is not only used to complete large crossings but may confer other advantages for diurnal birds. Birds were not more likely to initiate crossings with supportive winds, however crossings were more likely when they reduced travel distances. Our results are consistent with diurnal birds using night flight to help achieve time- and energy-savings through ‘short cuts’ at barrier crossings, at times and locations when foraging opportunities are not available. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrate the use of nocturnal flight and a high degree of individual plasticity in migration strategies on a circadian scale in a species generally considered to be a diurnal migrant. Nocturnal flights at barrier crossing may provide time and energy savings where foraging opportunities are low in an otherwise diurnal strategy. Future research should target how diel foraging and refueling strategies support nocturnal flights and barrier crossing in this and other diurnal species.

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Affective and cognitive components of students’ attitudes towards communication learning - validation of the Communication Skills Attitude Scale in a cohort of polish medical students

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02626-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Piotr Przymuszała ◽

Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska ◽

Patrycja Marciniak-Stępak ◽

Łucja Zielińska-Tomczak ◽

Martyna Piszczek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Behavioral Control ◽

Attitude Scale ◽

Future Research ◽

Perceived Behavioral Control ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Cognitive Components ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background The Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) is a recognized tool for assessment of attitudes towards communication learning. In the original version, it consists of 26 items divided on theoretical assumptions into two subscales: Positive and Negative Attitudes Scales. However, the evidence for its structure seems unsatisfactory, and a simple division into positive and negative attitudes may be insufficient to describe attitudes of medical students towards communication learning. Moreover, the existing evidence of the test-retest reliability of the CSAS seems limited. Consequently, this study aimed to provide more evidence on its psychometric properties while validating the CSAS questionnaire in a cohort of Polish medical students. Methods The CSAS was translated, adapted into Polish, and validated in a cohort of 389 Polish medical students. Statistical analysis involved, among others, parallel analysis to determine the number of factors, confirmatory factor analysis to compare the proposed model with theory-based ones, and test-retest reliability analysis. Results Conducted analysis revealed that in the examined population, the CSAS should rather consist of four than two subscales. Proposed four subscales addressed perceived outcomes of communication learning, positive and negative attitudes towards it (affective components), and factors motivating students to learn communication (a cognitive component of attitudes). Results of test-retest reliability were satisfactory for individual items and subscales. Conclusions This study presented a valid and reliable version of the Communication Skills Attitude Scale for Polish medical students and confirmed previous assumptions that CSAS may also be appropriate for assessment of affective and cognitive components of attitudes. Future research should, based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, make attempts to develop a tool assessing not only attitudes but also subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.

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Health Among Sexual Minority Older Adults: Individual Differences and Implications for Improving Health

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3170 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 860-860

Author(s):

Britney Wardecker ◽

Cara Exten

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Health Care Access ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Health Problems ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Access ◽

Age Related

Abstract The number of sexual minority (SM) older adults is increasing rapidly, yet this population continues to be underrepresented in research (Fredriksen-Goldsen & Kim, 2017) and experiences significant disparities in health and health care access (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2016; Wallace et al., 2011). In the current symposium, we analyze data from U.S. national probability samples of middle-aged and older adults (MIDUS, HRS, NESARC-III) to consider how age-related concerns and challenges may be experienced differently by SM individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This symposium includes novel methods and statistical tools, such as daily diary assessments, multilevel modeling, and time-varying effects models. Individual presentations evaluate how: (1) SM women, compared to heterosexual women, may respond differently to menopause through norms and values surrounding womanhood; (2) midlife and older SM individuals use alcohol and cigarettes more frequently across a typical week than their heterosexual counterparts, though their substance use may not be tied to common triggers (e.g., negative mood, stress); (3) despite bisexual older adults reporting more health problems compared to lesbian and gay counterparts, they are less prepared for health concerns and crises (e.g., reporting a lower number of valid wills); and (4) the prevalence of depression and anxiety varies across age, such that older SM adults—especially women—are particularly vulnerable to psychological health problems. These presentations collectively examine complex issues facing older SM adults while emphasizing individual differences (i.e., women’s concerns, bisexual people’s issues). We discuss challenges in researching this growing at-risk population, and we highlight areas of future research and intervention.

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A Test-Retest Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Judgments Via the Policy-Capturing Technique

Organizational Research Methods ◽

10.1177/10944281211011529 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 109442812110115

Author(s):

Ze Zhu ◽

Alan J. Tomassetti ◽

Reeshad S. Dalal ◽

Shannon W. Schrader ◽

Kevin Loo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practice ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Temporal Stability ◽

Future Research ◽

Policy Capturing ◽

Reliability Estimate ◽

Reliability Generalization ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Reliability Estimates ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Policy capturing is a widely used technique, but the temporal stability of policy-capturing judgments has long been a cause for concern. This article emphasizes the importance of reporting reliability, and in particular test-retest reliability, estimates in policy-capturing studies. We found that only 164 of 955 policy-capturing studies (i.e., 17.17%) reported a test-retest reliability estimate. We then conducted a reliability generalization meta-analysis on policy-capturing studies that did report test-retest reliability estimates—and we obtained an average reliability estimate of .78. We additionally examined 16 potential methodological and substantive antecedents to test-retest reliability (equivalent to moderators in validity generalization studies). We found that test-retest reliability was robust to variation in 14 of the 16 factors examined but that reliability was higher in paper-and-pencil studies than in web-based studies and was higher for behavioral intention judgments than for other (e.g., attitudinal and perceptual) judgments. We provide an agenda for future research. Finally, we provide several best-practice recommendations for researchers (and journal reviewers) with regard to (a) reporting test-retest reliability, (b) designing policy-capturing studies for appropriate reportage, and (c) properly interpreting test-retest reliability in policy-capturing studies.

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A Review of the Effects of Valenced Odors on Face Perception and Evaluation

i-Perception ◽

10.1177/20416695211009552 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 204166952110095

Author(s):

Elmeri Syrjänen ◽

Håkan Fischer ◽

Marco Tullio Liuzza ◽

Torun Lindholm ◽

Jonas K. Olofsson

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Facial Expressions ◽

Curve Analysis ◽

Facial Emotion ◽

Future Research ◽

Emotion Classification ◽

Open Research ◽

Classification Tasks ◽

Odor Exposure ◽

Z Curve

How do valenced odors affect the perception and evaluation of facial expressions? We reviewed 25 studies published from 1989 to 2020 on cross-modal behavioral effects of odors on the perception of faces. The results indicate that odors may influence facial evaluations and classifications in several ways. Faces are rated as more arousing during simultaneous odor exposure, and the rated valence of faces is affected in the direction of the odor valence. For facial classification tasks, in general, valenced odors, whether pleasant or unpleasant, decrease facial emotion classification speed. The evidence for valence congruency effects was inconsistent. Some studies found that exposure to a valenced odor facilitates the processing of a similarly valenced facial expression. The results for facial evaluation were mirrored in classical conditioning studies, as faces conditioned with valenced odors were rated in the direction of the odor valence. However, the evidence of odor effects was inconsistent when the task was to classify faces. Furthermore, using a z-curve analysis, we found clear evidence for publication bias. Our recommendations for future research include greater consideration of individual differences in sensation and cognition, individual differences (e.g., differences in odor sensitivity related to age, gender, or culture), establishing standardized experimental assessments and stimuli, larger study samples, and embracing open research practices.

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