Which of the following claims about facial expressions of emotion is false?

• A. Facial expressions can communicate emotional states even without spoken language.
• B. Facial expressions of emotion are always voluntary and under conscious control.
• C. Some facial expressions, such as smiling, can be influenced by social context.
• D. Facial expressions of basic emotions are recognized across many different cultures.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of facial expressions in psychology. Facial expressions are often considered universal signals of emotional states that can be recognized across different cultures, indicating a biological basis for some emotions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that many facial expressions occur involuntarily and are not always under conscious control. For example, microexpressions can reveal true emotions even when a person tries to hide them.
3. Step 3: Consider the role of social context in shaping facial expressions. While some expressions are universal, others, like smiling, can be influenced by cultural norms and social situations, showing variability.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each claim based on psychological research: (a) Facial expressions communicate emotions without language, (b) They are always voluntary and conscious, (c) Some expressions are socially influenced, (d) Basic emotions are recognized cross-culturally.
5. Step 5: Identify the false claim by noting that facial expressions are not always voluntary or consciously controlled, which contradicts the claim that they are always voluntary and under conscious control.