Seminar: Smiling Face or Frowning Face? Comparing Emotion Recognition Algorithms for Applications in Political Communication Research - (opens in a new window)Lena Masch (University of Düsseldorf) (with (opens in a new window)Maaike D. Homan and (opens in a new window)Oul Han).

14:00-15:00 Wednesday, October 21.

Please register for this event (opens in a new window)here.

Abstract: Computational methods are becoming more widespread in social sciences. One tool that potentially provides an efficient way of analyzing facial expressions is the use of emotion recognition algorithms. Its application is highly relevant for communication research. This study compares emotion recognition algorithms in order to detect potential limitations in empirical applications. We evaluate their effectiveness in classifying emotions in various settings of visual political communication.

About the speaker: Lena Masch is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Social Sciences at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. Her main areas of expertise include political communication, political psychology as well as experimental research methods. Her work focuses on the cognitive and emotional underpinnings of political attitudes about candidates and political parties as well as trust in politicians and democratic institutions.