Representing Professional Scenarios: Can Nondescript Cartoon Graphics Portray a Range of Human Emotions?

• In Event: 26.041 - Exploring Emotional and Motivational Factors for Education in the Professions

Abstract

In this study, we examine the use of a nondescript cartoon graphics for representing emotion in professional scenarios. The results from fifteen inservice teachers who took 33 forced-choice items identifying emotions of 20 photos of human actors and 13 nondescript cartoon graphics of students represented in classrooms will be discussed. Findings show that participants’ scores on the human and cartoon items are positively correlated (r=0.511, n=15, p=0.051) as well as demonstrating a non-significant difference between the means of the two sets; t(14)=1.484, p=0.160. This study has implications for the education within any profession for which interpersonal communication is a critical part of competent professional practice.

Authors

• Justin Kelly Dimmel, University of Maine

• Amanda Marie Milewski, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Patricio G. Herbst, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor