The Science of Smile - 2011/03/14(Mon.)

a. What according to Dr. Niedenthal, is the scientific explanation for smiling?
▶ smiles are not simply the expression of an internal feeling. Smiles in fact are only the most visible part of an intimate melding between two minds.

b. How did Dr. Niedenthal and her colleagues begin to study the science of smiling?
▶ To that end, Dr. Niedenthal and her colleagues have surveyed a wide range of studies, from brain scans to cultural observations, to build a new scientific model of the smile

c. According to the article, is it correct to say a smile is simply an expression reflecting feelings of happiness? Explain.
▶ No, it isn't. People smile when they are happy, and alsosmile when they are embarrassed or trying to strengthen a social bond with another people.

d. What are some of the categories smiles fall into? What are some of the distinguishing features of each?
▶ An embarrassed smile is often accompanied by a lowered chin, for example, while a smile of greeting often comes with raised eyebrows. Dr. Niedenthal argues that humans flash a power grin as well — often raising their chin so as to look down at others.

e. Is it possible that people use smiles to gain some advantage over others? How?
▶ Sure, why not? For example, a boy can smile to a girl to show that he is interested in that girl. So a girl can recognize with an word.