QUESTION
Need to write a 1000 words psychology critic analysis on an online article.
the online article is: Understanding Emotions without Language from the following website:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093045.htm
the essay need to address the following areas/questions:
a) State the claim(s) and key assumption(s): What key assumption(s) can be formulated based on the claims being made in the online article?
b) Viability of the claims: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the claims?
c) Modifications: Are there alternative explanations of the phenomenon?
Some information from the book, Psychology: Core Concepts Zimbardo, Johnson, and McCann (2009), Chapter 6 Development Over the Lifespan and
Chapter 9 Emotion and Motivation are to be used.
Need to focus on issues around the key assumption(s) of the claim(s). After briefly describing the article, think critically about what the claims are really saying. For example, the key assumption that a person’s behavioural problems are associated with the mother’s exposure to stress during early development is based on the view (claim) that stress in offspring (male and female) can be inherited from mothers.
b) Viability of the claims: Is there any basis for the (key) assumptions made? Think critically about the support for and against the key assumption identified. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the claims made by the author of the article.
c) Modifications: If the claims made were not viable, you may want to consider presenting alternative theories and research to support your case and recommend possible changes. This requires you to read widely and accumulate enough knowledge to be able to present a meaningful discussion.
SOLUTION
Introduction:
According to the article it has been claimed that it is not necessary to have words to express every emotions. Emotions can be very well understood through facial expressions and body language. It can be considered redundant in a way to use language and emotions at the same time. As per the American Psychological Association, comprehension of emotional signals are through set of biologically developed mechanism. There are various studies conducted and it has been there are particular emotions that does not have any word to it. In Mexico, the emotion disgust does not have any word attached to it, according to Oliver Le Guen. When photographs with facial expressions of various emotions were shown people described angry and disgusted face with same words.
The Neurosciences of emotion is a processing system where unconscious side sends quick responses to cues before conscious and brain circuitry operates automatically.However the conscious emotion processing is considered as slower generation and relies on cerebral cortex.
It has also been stated that emotional signals are described similarly by people of two different countries who has very different culture, life style, values and the language they speak. Hence, the result claimed that understanding emotions is not through the language it is described.It can be explained as a standard set of pattern followed naturally in human beings to express their feelings and emotions.
Key Assumptions claimed about understanding emotions without language:
⁃ Emotions are not understood through the language it is described
⁃ Emotional signals are comprehended through physiological mechnisms
⁃ Emotions are reflected in a standard is universal out different cultures
⁃ Facial expressions and body languages expresses feelings and emotions
Viabilities of the Assumptions:
The assumption formed that emotions are not understood through language that described can be critically analyzed through one of the research conducted by Garner. In his study mothers of toddlers were asked to engage in emotions related brief conversations with their children and toddlers reciprocated with high emotional intelligence whose mother’s explained causes and consequences of emotions more often. (Garner, 2003). Though the point explained through assumption that emotions are understood without language is supported through valid justified researches but it cannot be claimed that language will not have any effect to emotions expressed.It is definitely considered appropriate stating that “understanding emotions without language”, but the research done by Sauter and colleague stating that emotions are not based on words we have in language and are a system of biological mechanism can be only stated as one side of coin. As per Garner’s research, emotion like compassion was high on toddlers whose mother’s spoke about this emotions and feelings.
Various theories related to emotions has justified that it is a biological system. The biological mechanism that are at work behind our emotions are the limbic system, cerebral cortex, autonomic nervous system and hormones. The neurosciences understanding of emotional arousal has helped to resolve lot of psychological challenges.Especially the two distinct emotion processing system, Unconsciousness which is faster and has quick response where brain circuitry operates automatically. Conscious emotional processing relies on cerebral cortex and has slower generation of emotions. There are very popular theories of emotions where physiological reactions are directly or indirectly been related to emotional signals. James-Lange theory stated that emotion provoking stimulus in the body produces a physical response and produces emotions. However contrary to that, Cannon-Bard theory suggest that emotions and physical response occurs simultaneously resulting due to cognitive appraisal of a situation.
The two factor theory claims that due to a stimulus physical arousal occurs and simultaneously cognitive appraisal take place which leads to emotions. Biological perspective of understanding and expressing emotions has a strong hold and justifies it well. Therefore our face and body expresses emotions in a certain way though it has been specifically taught us to do that way.
But has we have mixed emotions, researches has claimed that people who have different words for two emotions are better in identifying the dominant emotion on the face then the ones who does not specifically has a particular word for that emotion.As given in the article, it was easier for Germans to identify difference between faces expressing disgust and anger then the Mexicans, as there are different words used for each emotions in Germany.However prominent emotions are universally expressed in the same way across culture.But their are ways of expressing which differs from cultures to cultures. Most of the eastern countries are very explicit about their emotions unlike the westerns and their can be always some misjudgments on understanding the facial expressions.
Conclusion:
Over a period of time it has been observed that though emotional responses through expressions are not consciously regulated but it can be learnt to control. In the recent past, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has got massive attention and has been studied and researched extensively. It has been stated through various EQ tests conducted, that there are people whose scores are high on EQ can very well control their emotions. Hence it can be difficult to interpret types of emotions released. Emotional intelligence is an inherited skill which can also be learned and improved with time. It helps a person to develop stronger skills towards perceiving, using, understanding and managing emotions.
Experts who continuously practice analyzing and interpreting deception cues has mentioned few gestures, expressions and body language that helps in identifying if one is trying to control their emotions. For instances long pauses on speech, constrained movements and gesturing, speech error, nervousness, rhythmic body movement, reduced blinking and less smiling.
In our day to day process we do practice and see situation where emotions are best understood without language.But language is a very important and dominant medium of communicating and expressing ourselves.Emotions without appropriate language can always be confusing and can be misunderstood lot of time. Therefore to have a better understanding and create more healthy environment communicating through expressions and language is necessary. It can be described as that biological mechanism is the soul of emotion and language is the body which gives shape to what we feel and want to express.But understanding emotions without language is a governing part and is used in a subtle manner in almost every moment of life.
References:
Philip,G. Zimbardo, Robert, L. Johnson, Vivian McCann Hamilton. (2011). Psychology Core Concepts. (7th ed).Manhattan(NY): Prentice Hall
- Laura, E. Berk.(2007). Development through the life span. (ed). Boston:Pearson
- Slide Boom. (2012). Zimbardo-Chapter 9-online section. Retrieved April 3, 2012 from slide boom website: http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/426178/Zimbardo-Chapter-9-for-online-sections
- Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (2011, November 2). Understanding emotions without language. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/11/111102093045.htm
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