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Males vs. Females: Interpreting Facial Expressions

CSEF · 2007 Cognitive Science (Junior Division Only) Honorable_mention Award

Aram Z. Angelo · A.G.B.U. Manoogian Demirdjian School, Canoga Park, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my project was to find out whether males or females have a better ability to interpret facial expressions so I can prove my hypothesis that females do interpret facial expressions better than males. Methods/Materials To conduct my research, I studied books on facial expressions and accessed internet sites. I chose twenty different facial expressions(emotions)and created a test packet with five multiple choice answers listed below each picture. The test started with a #happy face# for comfort. Pictures were black & white to increase imagination. I created an answer sheet(each expression has a correct answer.)My experiments involved testing five different age groups (8-12, 13-19, 20-40, 41-64 & 65yrs) of both males and females. All test groups were divisible by three for three separate trials; each group had an equal amount of males & females. (600 TOTAL TEST PARTICIPANTS.) To be fair and consistent, everyone had twenty minutes to finish their packets. Indication of gender & age group was required but identity was optional. I also conducted personal interviews with a psychologist, Ron Holman, PhD, The Holman Group, Managed Behavioral Health Care Services; Counselor, Raffi Kahwajian, AGBU; phone interview-Counselor, Jordan Kramer, Insight Behavioral Health Inc. Results The accuracy of the males was only an overall 2.5% higher who won in trial 1 & 2 (age 20-40), trial 1 (age 41-64), trial 2 (age 65+). The females scored an overall 4.9% higher than the males in all the remaining trials. This clearly supports my hypothesis. Conclusions/Discussion The females did better than the males in interpreting facial expressions. Females were more willing to take the test and wanted to talk about the project. Females tend to focus at faces more than males do. Males and females have #equal# facial expressions on their face when speaking to others; however, the males expression is done in a #smaller# way than the females. Females express and have more facial expressions. Different cultures and environments could be studied. I also learned that when a person (male or female) is asked a question, if they look to their left (looking for visual memory), they are telling the truth, if they are looking towards their right, they are not being very honest. After studying my three test results, I have been able to conclude that females have a better ability (4.9% higher) to interpret facial expressions than males.

Summary statement

I believe females have a better ability to interpret facial expressions than males.

Help received

My mom checked grammer and board. She drove me to the psychologist & counselor offices so I could interview them. She also drove me to the Ararat Home to pass out test packets. My dad supervised me passing out test packets to our neighbors. A couple teachers at my school helped pass out test packets to

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2007 Cognitive Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0603

Resources

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