Whos in the experts chair- psy 301(emotions)

Introduction to Professor Desmond Ong

• Professor Desmond Ong is the newest hire in the Department of Psychology.

• He specializes in Computational Social Science and Behavioral Data, merging psychology with technology and big data.

Computational Social Science

• Focuses on using technology and big data to study psychological questions.

• Requires a blend of knowledge in psychology, big data methods, and computer science.

Emotional Expression and Universal Facial Expressions

• Studies revolve around how facial expressions convey emotions.

• Conducted a demonstration with an Instapoll regarding perceived emotions in a facial expression.

  • Initial poll result: 45% classmates perceived sadness, 30% happiness.

  • After zooming out for context, 81% recognized happiness.

• Historical context: Early studies by Paul Ekman established that some facial expressions are universally recognized.

• Variability exists in how emotions are expressed across different cultures.

• Context plays a critical role in interpreting emotions.

  • Example given: Context of winning an Olympic gold alters the perception of a facial expression.

  • Emphasizes that facial expressions can convey different emotions based on situational context.

Complexity of Studying Emotions

• Simplified emotional studies in controlled environments may lose nuances of real-life scenarios.

• Modern psychology aims to study emotions in the chaotic, real-world environment using technology and big data.

  • Highlights the need for applications in technology, such as robotics, to interpret emotions in real contexts.

Emotion Regulation

• Defines emotion regulation as the ability to manage emotional responses.

• Three primary strategies discussed:

  • Distraction: Engaging in activities to shift focus away from unpleasant emotions.

    • Example: Playing video games post-breakup to avoid negative feelings.

  • Suppression: Bottling up emotions, particularly during conflicts or arguments to manage responses.

  • Reappraisal: Changing the interpretation of a situation to alter emotional responses.

    • Example: Reinterpreting a breakup positively with support from friends.

• Emphasizes the flexibility needed to switch between these strategies based on situational demands.

  • Current view in psychology acknowledges that each emotion regulation strategy has its place depending on the context.

The Real-World Application of Emotion Regulation Strategies

• Underlines that effective emotion regulation is about recognizing which strategy to employ at the right time.

• Fosters better mental health outcomes through a flexible approach to emotional responses.

Courses Offered

• Upcoming classes taught by Professor Ong:

  • Text Analysis: Focused on extracting psychological insights from textual data.

Conclusion

• Professor Ong's research and courses emphasize the integration of psychological theories with practical applications in the context of technology and real-world scenarios.