The interpretations of facial expression of emotion: gender difference and familiarity effect

Gender differences in the identification of neutral and slightly amused facial expressions, were examined both with and without information designed to make the face more familiar. Studies investigating gender differences in the accuracy of identification of emotional facial expressions have produced mixed results, possibly because intense emotional expressions were used. There was a significant effect of familiarity; given information participants attributed amusement to a neutral face more frequently than those not given information. Differences between males and females were not statistically significant.