Expression of the Month
Humintell is excited to announce their first ever photo contest!
Grand Prize: 1 photograph will be selected to be put on our homepage with FACS coding. The winner will also be allowed to receive One (1) FREE license key OF THEIR CHOICE from any of our 10 products (not including our webinar)
Rules and Regulations:
Eligibility: Open to anyone over the age of 18
Entry Fee: None!
Entry Deadline: March 31, 2010
Copyright: By submitting a photograph to Humintell’s Expression of the Month Contest, you state that you own the copyrights to the photo. By submitting a photograph you also understand that it will be published on the internet as your work under your copyright. Humintell will not claim ownership of any submission, sell, or use the photograph in a non-contest related way. By entering the Expression of the Month contest, you grant Humintell a non-exclusive, royalty-free license for publication.
All photos submitted become property of Humintell.
Only 1 photo per contestant. Please provide a caption with your image that will be published with your photo.
Submit your entries to photocontest@humintell.com
By submitting a photo to our contest, you agree to Humintell’s Terms and Conditions
Humintell’s Second Evaluating Truthfulness Webinar
Many people are often curious to know what the next step is in detecting deception after they have gone through microexpression or subtle expression training.
What are some of the nonverbal cues that people should look for?
How can one improve on their ability to read people?
The webinar will be an abbreviated version of our extensive training and will offer participants the opportunity to look for those certain nonverbal behaviors and to improve their ability to sport clues to potential deception via those nonverbal behaviors.
Learn which behaviors have been scientifically proven to be associated with truthfulness and deception.
Take the next step in your training and join our webinar.
Questions Answered by Dr. Matsumoto Part 2
Q1. (Michel) I would love to learn about the non-basic emotions; like shame, guilt and disbelief. I saw a video-clip where Paul Ekman spotted deception by a micro-expression of disbelief – even if there isn’t any concluded work done on the subject, I think many of us would like to learn about what is known so far. I also think it could be really great if you made a tele-seminar on detecting deception.
A.(Dr. Matsumoto) These emotions that you speak of such as shame, guilt and disbelief belong in a different class than basic emotions: anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise, contempt and disgust. They are in a class called self-conscious emotions. One characteristic of these emotions is that they require some evaluative component of one self. There has been some research done on these emotions, but not as much as research done on basic emotions. I would suggest that if you want to learn about the emotions of shame and guilt you read Freud. A more contemporary researcher is June Tanglney. I would also recommend you read work done by researchers as Keltner at UC Berkeley and Tracy at the University of British Columbia as well as look at my personal website www.davidmatsumoto.com for research done in these areas.
Q2. (JYP) Do you think Left brain/right brain affects in any way the body language? A person talking about private matter would rather use left part of his body and a person talking about external matters would rather use the right part?
A.(Dr. Matsumoto) I am not an expert in brain matters. However, I believe that the left/right brain dichotomy is artificial and unrealistic. From my understanding, the brain processes information across both hemispheres and very quickly. Therefore it doesn’t make sense that only one part of the brain would control body language. In addition, there has been little or no research to my knowledge that shows hemispheric specialization associated with expressive behavior.
Q3. (Sherry Derksen Nicklaus) Do drugs like Beta Blockers (or others) intentionally taken for the purpose of deception, ALTER the way you are able to read that person’s facial expressions?
A.(Dr. Matsumoto) I am also not an expert in psycho pharmacology. From my personal experience I believe there is no research that examines this question. Given that, I think that drugs such as beta blockers make no difference in reading others. However, there probably is a big difference in how those expressions may be interpreted.
Q4. (Andrew) How is your research on cultural emblems progressing? What have you found so far and is there any prelim data you would be willing to share?
A. (Dr. Matsumoto) The research is going great. We have many new and unexpected findings. However, we are not yet ready to disclose these findings. We hope to disclose our findings within the next 6 months.
Q5. (WC) What is the quickest way to establish a baseline with somebody you just met?
A. (Dr. Matsumoto) The simple answer to how to this question is to watch and listen to them. However, this question is impossible to answer without knowing the context of the situation.
Q6. (Steven) With some of the training I have taken, I have noticed that if I do not put forth practice making observations any skill set is diminished as time passes by. What do you recommend as a way to keep sharp on observations, types of practice, etc.
A. (Dr. Matsumoto) My advice to you is that you keep practicing but that you don’t practice the wrong thing. It’s important that you keep verifying that you are practicing the right material in the right way. Do your research- look for articles on the topic from reputable sources to double check you are on the right path.
Q7. (Thomas) How does mTBI possibly affect a patient’s ability to read the facial expressions of his spouse and children as well as the facial expressions of strangers? Would one of your training modules be appropriate for use with these patients?
A. (Dr. Matsumoto) The effect of mTBI on a patient’s ability to read the facial expressions of others would of course, depend on the type and location of the injury as well as the severity. It is possible that our training would be appropriate for these patients. However, it is tough to say without knowing more about the situation.
Q8. (Aimee) Hi, in one day I have finished all the commercial tests that are available. They are all WAY TOO EASY for me. I’m scoring 100% or nearly 100% all of the time. Increasing the speed does not decrease my success rate. I am looking for something more challenging to actually improve my skill. What do you suggest?
A. (Dr. Matsumoto) I would suggest watching videos and people. Detecting spontaneous behavior is always more difficult.
Emotions Run High at Winter Olympics
For those that have been following the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, there have been many stories of triumph and tragedy. Athletes have showcased their superb athletic ability to overcome adversity and rise to the challenge of being the greatest sportsman in the world.
Oftentimes, sporting events such as the Olympics are an ideal place to study emotion because of the high stakes that are involved.
Many times athletes only have 1 change to attain an Olympic Medal and the pressure is unimaginably intense. While most of us would crumble under the pressure, some rise above it and are able to perform their best.
What are some of the characteristics that people notice while watching these sporting events?
Notice that all the winners have almost an instantaneous release of emotion when their routine, run or skate is done. It is almost as if they have held their concentration and controlled their emotions for so long that as soon as they cross that finish line or finish their routine, there is an immediate sense of relief and elation.
Many, if not all, athletes raise their hands in triumph when they know they have achieved their goal. They can hardly control their emotions and literally cannot wipe the smile off their face.
In case you missed some of the gold medal performances, take a look at the videos below by clicking on the image.
Shawn White: 2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
See his Gold Medal Run in Vancouver by clicking on his image
Lindsey Vonn: Olympic Gold Medalist
See her Gold Medal Downhill Run by clicking on her image
Evan Lysacek: Olympic Gold Medalist
See his Gold Medal Skate by clicking on his image
Winners of Our FB Challenge!
Humintell is excited to announce the winners of their FB Challenge! Our FB Contest ended on February 15, 2010. Our goal was to reach over 550 Fans and current on the page we have 584 fans. A big thank you to everyone who participated!
Winners of the MiX License Keys: Bob Wilson, Anna Tritschler, Pedro Martin and Dinesh Selva
Winners of the MiX 2 License Keys: Boyko Kanev, Markus Westin, Melissa Zavala Croft and Jeff Shepard
Winners of the SubX License Keys: Corey Zollinger, Alexis Abarca Justiniane, Jerry Lam, Daniel Hovyani
Winners of the D3 License Keys: Diana Smith Gallager, Simon Anna, Kathleen Keane, Mark Hou
You can still become a fan of our FB Page by clicking here. Fans will receive microexpression news, links to interactive and interesting websites and more!
Questions Answered by Dr. Matsumoto Part 1
Thank to you everyone for your overwhelming response to the “Submit your questions to Dr. Matsumoto” post last week.
Since we have had so many good questions, we are splitting the answer session into 2 parts.
If your question does not get answered below, rest assured that it will be answered in the next blog post.
Q1. (Ben) I have been informed that D3 is still in the research stage an it could put users at risk, so why is it being sold as a training tool and if it is to be used, it should be noted that it is still in the research stage!
A1. (Dr. Matsumoto) In answer to your question, in any sense, all our training tools are currently in the research stage because we are constantly conducting new research studies to measure its effectiveness, validity, etc. Knowledge is never static. Given this fact, in direct answer to your question, there is no controversy that the 2 faces that we are teaching in D3 are dangerous faces. Law enforcement officers have asked that we provide any information we have and thus this is why we have D3. However, in addition to these 2 faces, there may be additional dangerous faces that we may not be aware of. Therefore, we will be continuing to conduct research in this area in the future.
Q2. (Warren) For those of us who would like to take further training in the field of microexpressions and deception detection, where would be the first places you would direct us?
A2. (Dr. Matsumoto) The first thing that I recommend is that you learn everything you possibly can to develop your skills in these areas. Of course, you will want to take microexpression training and subtle expressions training until you reach the master level. Then I would recommend that you do your research. Read everything that has been written about the topic (I can also give you some ideal reading suggestions). Finally, study people’s behaviors. Observe and watch everything that people do to try and understanding people’s complex behaviors. In our society, we are taught that words mean everything and to ignore the nonverbals. Try to go against this and look for nonverbal cues. Try to decipher what they mean. Reading people can be done in the simplest of places: at a coffee shop, restaurant, mall, park, even a bus stop.
Q3. (Sandra) I’m interested in invisible signs of lies, the height of the liar’s voice and speed of the heartbeat the most. What is the height of a liar’s voice?
A3. (Dr. Matsumoto) In response to your question, there have been a number of studies that investigated vocal cues to deception, however the results are still not clear. What is important to understand is that vocal changes can be a sign of deception, if it deviates from that person’s baseline. A simple change in pitch when a person is answering a question is not necessarily a sign of deceit- it may in fact just be something that the person does normally. It important to take these things into consideration when determining fact from fiction, but remember that there is no pinnochio effect!
Q4. (Steven) My question related to those people that may be functioning at a lower than average cognitive level (those with brain injuries, birth defects, etc). Do they exhibit microexpressions the same as those without any impairments? Is the potential leakage the same or is it processed differently due to the cognitive differences?
A4. In short, there has been little research done as to whether individuals such as those you mentioned, exhibit microexpressions the same as those without any impairments, so we simply do not know. My personal opinion is that the potential leakage is probably not processed any differently. However, it would also depend on the nature of the defect and or injury.
Q5. (Robert) How many people do you think have the ability to control their subconscious body movement in such a way that it does not leak what they are thinking/feeling?
A5. (Dr. Matsumoto) People definitely have the ability to be trained to control not to leak what they are thinking or feeling. However, most people don’t and its very difficult to do so without any formal training. So the answer to your question is not very many people.
Q6. (Ben) Do you believe automated FACS-coding programs are currently viable, and if so, why isn’t there they expected explosion in applied research?
A6. (Dr. Matsumoto) The automated FACS coding programs that I know of currently are not bad but not yet ready to deal with spontaneous behaviors such as change in lighting, movement, etc. This is probably why there hasn’t been an explosion in applied research in regards to this.
Q7. (David) I think I am a natural. Can it be possible that I am a natural? (Oscar) I think I am a natural…whats your advice on how to make the most of this ability?
A7. (Dr. Matsumoto) In answer to your questions yes, it is definitely possible that you can be a natural. The best advice that I can give to you regarding this ability is that you use it wisely. As popularized by Spider Man, this quote says it best: “With great power comes great reponsiblity”. This is especially true for this situation. Don’t start analyzing every person you meet and use the skills that you have in the appropriate situations.
Q8. (Markus) I wonder about any work on the nonverbal behaviors of psychopaths. I know psychopaths don’t feel remorse, guilt or regret so they don’t give away such clues. Do they give other clues to deceit? Have there been any studies on what might give away the psychopath?
A8. (Dr. Matsumoto) There has been no formal study on psychopaths or sociopaths. However, I would imagine that the clues to deceit are the same as a “normal” persons and that their emotional reactions would not differ greatly from ours. However, it is important to note that the things that elicit emotional reactions may be different in psychopaths or sociopaths. For example, what makes a psychopath happy may in fact be something that disgusts “normal” people and vice versa.
2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
In addition to being a world renowned psychologist in the areas of emotion, facial expression, deception, nonverbal behavior and culture, Dr. Matsumoto is a 7th degree black belt in the sport of judo and former Olympic Judo coach.
He was the head men’s coach for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Judo Team as well as the Team Leader for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Judo Team. As a result, he has seen athletes perform at such high levels for so many years and is well aware of the emotional ups and downs in high caliber sporting events.
Dr. Matsumoto even combined his knowledge of judo and psychology, when he conducted a study with congenitally blind individuals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. The results of his study showed that facial expressions are innate and not something that is socially learned.
February 12 marks the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Vancouver, Canada. Athletes from around the world will gather to compete for Olympic Medals in various sports.
Emotions often run high at top level sporting events. The Olympics is a great place to watch and observe people’s emotional reactions. Whether they feel the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, all athletes, no matter what age, race, ethnicity or gender will show emotions on their face exactly the same way.
Watch the Olympic Games on NBC starting February 12th and comment if you see any great clips!
Submit Your Questions to Dr. Matsumoto!
Humintell is opening up the discussion and allowing readers to ask their own questions to Dr. Matsumoto.
The question can be about anything (related to deception detection and psychology, of course). Some hot topics could include: microexpressions, subtle expressions, new training tool development, his clientele, etc.
We will go through the various questions our users post here and select some to be answered by Dr. Matsumoto himself.
This is a great opportunity to ask one of the leading researchers in this field your burning question you haven’t been able to get answered anywhere!
We apologize in advance if we can’t get to everyone’s questions, but we will try our best to accomodate as many people as we can.
Please post your question under the comments section. Pending review, we will post it so that others will not repeat the same question.
You have until February 12!
John Edwards Scandal-Hot Spots?
We now know the truth about former Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards.
When public figures are caught in the middle of a lie, it draws an incredible amount of attention and former Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards has done just that.
The public has come to know that not only was he untruthful about his affair, he has recently confessed to fathering a child with his mistress Rielle Hunter. What makes this matter worse is that Edwards intitially vehemently denied having an affair and fathering a child with Hunter. While he did come clean about his affair on an interview on Nightline, Edwards still denied knowing anything about the baby.
There are 2 parts to the John Edwards interview on Nightline, which can be seen below.
In the first video, pay particular attention to Edward’s behavior when he is denying the affair (which is shown leading up to the featured interview)
In the second video, pay particular attention to when Edwards is denying knowing anything about the baby we know know he fathered with Rielle Hunter.
Look for discrepancies between verbal and nonverbal actions, hot spots and micro and subtle expressions.
Let us know what you see!
Spread the Word- Humintell’s FB Challenge
Help spread the world about the fascinating world of concealed emotion by joining Humintell’s Facebook Challenge!
By joining Humintell’s Facebook Page, you can have the chance to earn a free license key to one of our 4 main products: MiX Original Microexpression Training, MiX 2 Advanced Microexpression Training, SubX Professional Subtle Expression Training and Dangerous Demeanor Detector.
By February 15, 2010 if the Humintell Facebook Page has:
350-449 Fans, we will give out 1 MiX License Key, 1 MiX 2 License Key, 1 SubX License Key, 1 D3 Key to 4 Different Individuals
450-549 Fans, we will give out 2 MiX License Keys, 2 MiX 2 License Keys, 2 SubX License Keys, 2 D3 Keys to 8 Different Individuals
550+ Fans, we will give out 4 MiX License Keys, 4 MiX 2 License Keys, 4 SubX License Keys, 4 D3 Keys to 16 Different Individuals
As of January 27, 2010 we currently have 369 Fans! Please help spread the word and earn the chance to receive a FREE license key to one of our 4 great products!
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