Which of these sentences best explains why psychologists and anthropologists long believed facial expressions were universal?
Answer choices for the above question
A. Psychologist Paul Ekman’s studies in Papua New Guinea suggested universal facial expressions.
B. It seemed inherent to humans.
C. Psychologist Carlos Crivelli’s studies in Papua New Guinea suggested universal facial expressions.
D. The work of psychologist Alan Fridlund suggested universal facial expressions.
Answer: Psychologists and anthropologists believed that facial expressions are universal because basic emotions are recognized universally.
According to Paul Ekman, he believed that some basic emotions such as sadness, anger, surprise, fear, happiness, disgust, etc are innate and shared by everyone.
It was further stated that basic human emotions are accompanied across different cultures by universal facial expressions. Therefore, facial expressions are universal because basic emotions are recognized universally.