The question of whether emotions are universal or culturally specific has long been a point of controversy in emotion science.
In our research, we examine both cultural similarities and differences, and we use a range of methods to test cross-cultural hypotheses.
We directly address questions of the universality of emotional expressions and concepts [Disa Sauter], and examine similarities and differences in emotional communication styles [Milena Feldkamp].
We test the role of actual and believed group belonging in the evaluations of someone’s emotional expressions [Disa Sauter / Maien Sachisthal / Pumin Kommattam].
AICE’s research also probes questions such as: Do people judge out-groups members’ emotions as less intense than in-group members’ emotions? [Pumin Kommattam]. Do ‘Easterners’ judge emotional expressions as being more of a mix of emotions than do ‘Westerners’? [Xia Fang]