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Standardization of facial electromyographic responses
Anton van Boxtel1, Jolien van der Graaff2
1Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg, the Netherlands.
Biological Psychology
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Facial electromyography (EMG) data analysis should use percentage scores, not difference scores, for more accurate results. This method enhances the consistency and strength of findings in behavioral and psychological research.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Behavioral Science
- Affective Neuroscience
Background:
- Facial electromyographic (EMG) responses are commonly quantified relative to a resting state baseline.
- Current practice often uses difference scores (in microvolts) to represent these responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate the use of percentage scores over difference scores for quantifying facial EMG activity.
- To investigate the impact of quantification method on the relationship between facial EMG and affective empathy/mimicry.
Main Methods:
- Reanalyzed existing data from studies on affective empathy and facial mimicry.
- Compared findings when using difference scores versus percentage scores for EMG quantification.
Main Results:
- Percentage scores revealed more consistent or stronger relationships with affective empathy compared to difference scores.
- Facial EMG mimicry responses were found to be stronger when analyzed using percentage scores.
Conclusions:
- Percentage scores are a more appropriate and sensitive method for quantifying facial EMG activity due to its ratio scale nature.
- This quantification approach enhances the detection and interpretation of psychological variables in facial EMG research.
