Glossary // Glossary term Technical
Inference
Reaching a conclusion about something not directly observed from data that are observed. Emotional states are not directly observable, so any statement about them from faces, voice or physiology is an inference whose strength depends on how specific and consistent the link between signal and state is, and on context. Describing such conclusions as estimates with stated uncertainty, rather than as readings, keeps the inferential step visible. Affective computing promises to infer emotion as if it were a system metric. The evidence on facial movements and autonomic signals, together with questions of consent, explains why every metric in this artifact is an artistic value. How one could reason about recording a catharsis-like change of state: signals, features, inference and context, baselines, self-report, error costs and ethics, and why every step stays uncertain. Nothing on this site measures anyone. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (2019). Emotional expressions reconsidered: Challenges to inferring emotion from human facial movements. doi:10.1177/1529100619832930 Supports the claim that facial configurations are not reliable, specific indicators of emotional states across cultures, situations and people, although they co-occur above chance. A narrative review by authors associated with one theoretical position; critics dispute parts of it.Where the site uses it
Studies behind it