Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - 2010 - Volume 33, Issue 06  

Open Peer Commentary

Cultural variations on the SIMS model

Christine M. Covas-Smitha1, Justin Finea1, Arthur M. Glenberga1, Eric Keylora1, Yexin Jessica Lia1, Elizabeth Marsha1, Elizabeth A. Osbornea1, Tamer Solimana1 and Claire Yeea11

a1 Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85282. ccovas01@gmail.com jmfine@asu.edu Glenberg@asu.edu ekeylor@asu.edu yjli1@asu.edu Elizabeth.R.Marsh@asu.edu Elizabeth.A.Osborne@asu.edu tamer.soliman@asu.edu ciyee@asu.edu http://psychology.clas.asu.edu/glenberg

Abstract

Niedenthal et al. recognize that cultural differences are important when interpreting facial expressions. Nonetheless, many of their core observations derive more from individualistic cultures than from collectivist cultures. We discuss two examples from the latter: (1) lower rates of mutual eye contact, and (2) the ubiquity of specific “functional smiles.” These examples suggest constraints on the assumptions and applicability of the SIMS model.

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Footnotes

1 All authors contributed equally.