Forensic Affect Lab

This graduate-level sequence explores the detection and analysis of micro-expressions and subtle affect. Students move from theoretical foundations of emotional leakage to high-fidelity real-time clinical simulations.

The Leakage Hypothesis

Students explore the theoretical foundations of emotional leakage and the inhibition hypothesis, differentiating between macro, micro, and subtle expressions.

Detecting Transient Anger and Disgust

Students practice identifying fleeting signs of hostility, such as the glare or the nose wrinkle, using specialized training software and drill-based practice.

Identifying Concealed Sadness and Fear

Students focus on the subtle, often repressed signs of distress, such as the slight inner brow raise or lip corner depression, building empathy and diagnostic acuity through case studies.

Contextual Analysis of Mixed Signals

This lesson explores the 'blends' where micro-expressions of one emotion appear over a macro-expression of another (e.g., a flash of anger over a smile). Students analyze complex social scenarios to interpret these contradictions.

Real-Time Assessment Simulation

Students participate in a high-fidelity mock interview or assessment where they must track and note micro-expressions in real-time without the aid of slow motion. Following the interaction, they debrief using video playback to verify their accuracy.