Research on facial expressions has taught us that facial expressions are:

• A. universally recognized across many cultures
• B. unrelated to emotional experiences
• C. completely learned and vary greatly between individuals
• D. only meaningful within a single cultural context

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is about the nature of facial expressions and their recognition across cultures.
2. Recall key psychological research, such as Paul Ekman's studies, which showed that certain facial expressions correspond to basic emotions and are recognized universally.
3. Consider the options: expressions being universally recognized, unrelated to emotions, completely learned and varying greatly, or only meaningful within one culture.
4. Evaluate the evidence that facial expressions like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are recognized across diverse cultures, supporting universality.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding is that facial expressions are universally recognized across many cultures, reflecting shared emotional experiences.