Knowledge Base

Optional Classifications

Aim

To select other analyses in addition to facial expressions.

FaceReader can, optionally, analyze the following:

• Contempt
• Facial states
• Gaze tracking
• Action Units (if you have The Action Unit Module or you have Baby FaceReader)
• Custom Expressions (if you have the Action Unit Module or you have Baby FaceReader)
• Heart rate, heart rate variability (by means of Remote PPG), and breathing rate (if your license includes The Vital Signs Module)
• Consumption Behavior (if you have The Consumption Behavior Module, not available with Baby FaceReader)
• Expressions in the voice (if your license includes the Voice Analysis Module. Note this feature is not available with Baby FaceReader)

Note

Each optional classification decreases analysis speed, so only select the options you require.

Procedure

To select these optional classifications, choose File > Settings. Click the Analysis Options tab, and make your selection under Optional Classifications.

Contempt

Contempt is an expression in which one corner of the lips is tightened and slightly raised. It can be classified reliably in different cultures [1]. Some authors state that it should be added to the six basic emotions defined by Paul Ekman [2]. However, other authors disagree with this [3].

To add contempt to the expression states, select the option Treat contempt as an emotional state. This adds contempt to the State Log and Timeline and makes contempt mutually exclusive with the other emotions in the State Log and Timeline, meaning that only one emotional state can be active at any given time.

References

1. Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1986). A new pan-cultural facial expression of emotion. Motivation and emotion, 10(2), 159-168.
2. P. Ekman. Universal facial expressions of emotion. California Mental Health Research Digest, 8: 151-158, 1970.
3. Ekman, P. (1992). An argument for basic emotions. Cognition & Emotion, 6(3-4), 169-200.

Facial States

FaceReader can detect whether the left and right eye is open or closed, whether the mouth is open or closed and whether the eyebrows are raised, neutral or lowered. These states are shown in the Facial States window. They are also visualized in the Analysis visualization window, when the option Show facial states is selected.

Gaze Tracking

FaceReader can detect the test participant's Gaze Direction, Gaze Type and Gaze angles. Gaze direction indicates whether the participant looks to the left, left-up, left-down, or to the right, right-up or right-down, Up, Down or Forward. Gaze Type indicates whether the test participant's eyes fixate on something (that is, the eyes are still and looking at, for instance, the eyes in a face) or whether there is movement of the eyes when the test participant shifts his/her focus of vision (a saccade). In addition, FaceReader measures the horizontal and vertical Gaze angle over time.

If your license includes the Advanced Research Module you can view the test participant's gaze overlay on the stimuli that you present with the Stimulus Presentation Tool. See Run a test in Project Analysis.

Gaze direction, Gaze Type and Gaze angles are shown on the Timeline. Gaze Direction is also visualized in the Analysis Visualization window, when the option Show global gaze direction is selected.

If the Show global gaze direction button is not active, select File > Settings > Analysis Options and under Optional Classifications select Gaze tracking.

Action Units

FaceReader can analyze Action Units from the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) published by Ekman and Friesen (1978), if you have The Action Unit Module or you have Baby FaceReader. The Affective Attitudes Interest, Boredom and Confusion that were called Affective Attitudes in FaceReader 7.1, are now available as Custom Expressions. You can also define your own Custom Expressions.

Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, And Breathing Rate

FaceReader can analyze the heart rate, heart rate variability and breathing rate of the test participants, if your license includes The Vital Signs Module.

Consumption Behavior

With the Consumption Behavior Module you can determine whether your test participants are chewing or taking a bite or sip. This option is not available with Baby FaceReader.

See The Consumption Behavior Module

Expressions In The Voice

With the Voice Analysis Module you can analyze emotions in the voice (Neutral, Happy, Sad and Angry), and Valence and Arousal from the voice. FaceReader can also assess the Loudness and Speech rate. Voice analysis is not available with Baby FaceReader.

Source: FaceReader 10 Reference Manual (Help), Noldus Information Technology