Which theory identifies universal basic emotions across cultures?

Which theory identifies universal basic emotions across cultures?

• A. Schachter-Singer
• B. James-Lange
• C. Cannon-Bard
• D. Ekman

Answer: (D)

Universal basic emotions across cultures are identified by Ekman. He argued that a small set of emotions has biologically based, universally recognizable facial expressions. Cross-cultural studies—spanning diverse cultures and even involving people who are blind from birth—show that these expressions are consistently recognized, suggesting they are not learned but biologically rooted. Ekman also developed the Facial Action Coding System to describe the exact facial movements associated with each emotion, reinforcing the idea that these expressions form a universal emotional language. The other theories describe how emotions arise—through arousal and cognitive labeling, or through simultaneous brain processes—but they don’t make the claim about universal facial expressions across all cultures in the way Ekman does.

Universal basic emotions across cultures are identified by Ekman. He argued that a small set of emotions has biologically based, universally recognizable facial expressions. Cross-cultural studies—spanning diverse cultures and even involving people who are blind from birth—show that these expressions are consistently recognized, suggesting they are not learned but biologically rooted. Ekman also developed the Facial Action Coding System to describe the exact facial movements associated with each emotion, reinforcing the idea that these expressions form a universal emotional language. The other theories describe how emotions arise—through arousal and cognitive labeling, or through simultaneous brain processes—but they don’t make the claim about universal facial expressions across all cultures in the way Ekman does.