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Moffat R, Cross ES. Evaluations of dyadic synchrony: observers' traits influence estimation and enjoyment of synchrony in mirror-game movements. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2904. [PMID: 38316911 PMCID: PMC10844651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
While evidence abounds that motor synchrony is a powerful form of 'social glue' for those involved, we have yet to understand how observers perceive motor synchrony: can observers estimate the degree of synchrony accurately? Is synchrony aesthetically pleasing? In two preregistered experiments (n = 161 each), we assess how accurately observers can estimate the degree of synchrony in dyads playing the mirror game, and how much observers enjoy watching these movements. We further assess whether accuracy and enjoyment are influenced by individual differences in self-reported embodied expertise (ability to reproduce movements, body awareness, body competence), psychosocial resources (extraversion, self-esteem), or social competencies (empathy, autistic traits), while objectively controlling for the degree of measured synchrony and complexity. The data revealed that observers' estimated synchrony with poor accuracy, showing a tendency to underestimate the level of synchrony. Accuracy for low synchrony improved with increasing body competence, while accuracy for high synchrony improved with increasing autistic traits. Observers' enjoyment of dyadic movements correlated positively with the degree of measured synchrony, the predictability of the movements, and the observer's empathy. Furthermore, very low enjoyment was associated with increased body perception. Our findings indicate that accuracy in perceiving synchrony is closely linked to embodiment, while aesthetic evaluations of action hinge on individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryssa Moffat
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Emily S Cross
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Sierro J, de Kort SR, Hartley IR. A limit to sustained performance constrains trill length in birdsong. iScience 2023; 26:108206. [PMID: 37953962 PMCID: PMC10637923 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In birds, song performance determines the outcome of contests over crucial resources. We hypothesized that 1) sustained performance is limited within song, resulting in a performance decline towards the end and 2) the impact of song length is compromised if performance declines. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed the songs of 597 bird species (26 families) and conducted a playback experiment on blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Our multi-species analysis showed that song performance declines after sustained singing, supporting our hypothesis. If the performance decline is determined by individual attributes (i.e., physical condition), our results explain how trill length can honestly signal quality. Our experiment showed that longer trills of high performance elicited a stronger response during territorial interactions. However, long trills that declined in performance elicited a weaker response than short, high-performance trills. A trade-off between the duration and performance quality of a motor display can be an important aspect in communication across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sierro
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Selvino R. de Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Ian R. Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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3
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Logue DM, Bonnell TR. Skewed performance distributions as evidence of motor constraint in sports and animal displays. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230692. [PMID: 38026035 PMCID: PMC10645065 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Animal displays (i.e. movement-based signals) often involve extreme behaviours that seem to push signallers to the limits of their abilities. If motor constraints limit display performance, signal evolution will be constrained, and displays can function as honest signals of quality. Existing approaches for measuring constraint, however, require multiple kinds of behavioural data. A method that requires only one kind could open up new research directions. We propose a conceptual model of performance under constraint, which predicts that the distribution of constrained performance will skew away from the constraint. We tested this prediction with sports data, because we know a priori that athletic performance is constrained and that athletes attempt to maximize performance. Performance consistently skewed in the predicted direction in a variety of sports. We then used statistical models based on the skew normal distribution to estimate the constraints on athletes and displaying animals while controlling for potential confounds and clustered data. We concluded that motor constraints tend to generate skewed behaviour and that skew normal models are useful tools to estimate constraints from a single axis of behavioural data. This study expands the toolkit for identifying, characterizing, and comparing performance constraints for applications in animal behaviour, physiology and sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Logue
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
| | - Tyler R. Bonnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Winner TS, Rosenberg MC, Jain K, Kesar TM, Ting LH, Berman GJ. Discovering individual-specific gait signatures from data-driven models of neuromechanical dynamics. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011556. [PMID: 37889927 PMCID: PMC10610102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion results from the interactions of highly nonlinear neural and biomechanical dynamics. Accordingly, understanding gait dynamics across behavioral conditions and individuals based on detailed modeling of the underlying neuromechanical system has proven difficult. Here, we develop a data-driven and generative modeling approach that recapitulates the dynamical features of gait behaviors to enable more holistic and interpretable characterizations and comparisons of gait dynamics. Specifically, gait dynamics of multiple individuals are predicted by a dynamical model that defines a common, low-dimensional, latent space to compare group and individual differences. We find that highly individualized dynamics-i.e., gait signatures-for healthy older adults and stroke survivors during treadmill walking are conserved across gait speed. Gait signatures further reveal individual differences in gait dynamics, even in individuals with similar functional deficits. Moreover, components of gait signatures can be biomechanically interpreted and manipulated to reveal their relationships to observed spatiotemporal joint coordination patterns. Lastly, the gait dynamics model can predict the time evolution of joint coordination based on an initial static posture. Our gait signatures framework thus provides a generalizable, holistic method for characterizing and predicting cyclic, dynamical motor behavior that may generalize across species, pathologies, and gait perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniel S. Winner
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Rosenberg
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kanishk Jain
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Trisha M. Kesar
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lena H. Ting
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gordon J. Berman
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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5
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Geukes K, Hecht V, Utesch T, Bläsing B, Back MD. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest dancer of them all? A naturalistic lens model study on the judgment of dance performance. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 67:102436. [PMID: 37665889 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Success as a dancer is closely associated with positive dance judgments by perceivers. Although dancers' physical appearance (attractiveness, style) might affect dance judgments beyond dance-specific attributes (technique, expression), they have largely been unconsidered in previous studies. To contribute to a comprehensive explanation of real-life dance judgments, we applied the lens model, an approach explicitly developed to explain the emergence of social judgments by multiple attributes. Therefore, video-records of 70 solo performances were (1) rated regarding dancers' physical appearance, technique, and expression and (2) judged by 33 perceivers. Results of cross-classified mixed-effects models revealed that attributes of all domains were significantly related to dance judgements. Considered simultaneously, however, only dance-specific attributes contributed to the prediction of dance judgments. Additional moderation analyses underscored the importance of perceivers' expertise in judging dance. We discuss the lens model as suitable framework for a naturalistic approach to the study of aesthetic experiences and sports performances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Hecht
- University of Münster, Germany
| | | | - B Bläsing
- Technical University, Dortmund, Germany
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Sierro J, de Kort SR, Hartley IR. Sexual selection for both diversity and repetition in birdsong. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3600. [PMID: 37328501 PMCID: PMC10275917 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
From fiddler crabs to humans, animals perform repetitive displays showing neuromotor skill and vigour. Consistent repetition of identical notes (vocal consistency) facilitates the assessment of neuromotor skills and is important in communication in birds. Most birdsong research has focused on song diversity as a signal of individual quality, which seems contradictory as repetition is extremely common in most species. Here we show that consistent repetition within songs is positively correlated with reproductive success in male blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). A playback experiment shows that females are sexually aroused by male songs with high levels of vocal consistency, which also peaks seasonally during the fertile period of the female, supporting the role of vocal consistency in mate choice. Male vocal consistency also increases with subsequent repetitions of the same song type (a warm-up effect) which conflicts with the fact that females habituate to repeated song, showing decreased arousal. Importantly, we find that switching song types elicits significant dishabituation within the playback, supporting the habituation hypothesis as an evolutionary mechanism driving song diversity in birds. An optimal balance between repetition and diversity may explain the singing style of many bird species and displays of other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sierro
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Selvino R de Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ian R Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
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7
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Halsey LG, Careau V, Pontzer H, Ainslie PN, Andersen LF, Anderson LJ, Arab L, Baddou I, Bedu-Addo K, Blaak EE, Blanc S, Bonomi AG, Bouten CVC, Bovet P, Buchowski MS, Butte NF, Camps SGJA, Close GL, Cooper JA, Das SK, Cooper R, Dugas LR, Ekelund U, Entringer S, Forrester T, Fudge BW, Goris AH, Gurven M, Hambly C, Hamdouchi AE, Hoos MB, Hu S, Joonas N, Joosen AM, Katzmarzyk P, Kempen KP, Kimura M, Kraus WE, Kushner RF, Lambert EV, Leonard WR, Lessan N, Martin CK, Medin AC, Meijer EP, Morehen JC, Morton JP, Neuhouser ML, Nicklas TA, Ojiambo RM, Pietiläinen KH, Pitsiladis YP, Plange-Rhule J, Plasqui G, Prentice RL, Rabinovich RA, Racette SB, Raichlen DA, Ravussin E, Reynolds RM, Roberts SB, Schuit AJ, Sjödin AM, Stice E, Urlacher SS, Valenti G, Van Etten LM, Van Mil EA, Wilson G, Wood BM, Yanovski J, Yoshida T, Zhang X, Murphy-Alford AJ, Loechl CU, Luke AH, Rood J, Sagayama H, Schoeller DA, Westerterp KR, Wong WW, Yamada Y, Speakman JR. Variability in energy expenditure is much greater in males than females. J Hum Evol 2022; 171:103229. [PMID: 36115145 PMCID: PMC9791915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, trait variation is often reported to be greater among males than females. However, to date, mainly only morphological traits have been studied. Energy expenditure represents the metabolic costs of multiple physical, physiological, and behavioral traits. Energy expenditure could exhibit particularly high greater male variation through a cumulative effect if those traits mostly exhibit greater male variation, or a lack of greater male variation if many of them do not. Sex differences in energy expenditure variation have been little explored. We analyzed a large database on energy expenditure in adult humans (1494 males and 3108 females) to investigate whether humans have evolved sex differences in the degree of interindividual variation in energy expenditure. We found that, even when statistically comparing males and females of the same age, height, and body composition, there is much more variation in total, activity, and basal energy expenditure among males. However, with aging, variation in total energy expenditure decreases, and because this happens more rapidly in males, the magnitude of greater male variation, though still large, is attenuated in older age groups. Considerably greater male variation in both total and activity energy expenditure could be explained by greater male variation in levels of daily activity. The considerably greater male variation in basal energy expenditure is remarkable and may be explained, at least in part, by greater male variation in the size of energy-demanding organs. If energy expenditure is a trait that is of indirect interest to females when choosing a sexual partner, this would suggest that energy expenditure is under sexual selection. However, we present a novel energetics model demonstrating that it is also possible that females have been under stabilizing selection pressure for an intermediate basal energy expenditure to maximize energy available for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis G Halsey
- School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London, SW15 4JD, UK.
| | - Vincent Careau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Herman Pontzer
- Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lene F Andersen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Liam J Anderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lenore Arab
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Issad Baddou
- Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition et Alimentation, CNESTEN-Université Ibn Tofail URAC39, Regional Designated Center of Nutrition Associated with AFRA/IAEA, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Kweku Bedu-Addo
- Department of Physiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ellen E Blaak
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephane Blanc
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Université de Strasbourg, UMR7178, France
| | | | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Unversity of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Bovet
- Pascal Bovet, University Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland & Ministry of Health, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Maciej S Buchowski
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutritiion, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nancy F Butte
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stefan G J A Camps
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Graeme L Close
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jamie A Cooper
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sai Krupa Das
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington St., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Cooper
- Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Lara R Dugas
- Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ulf Ekelund
- Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Terrence Forrester
- Solutions for Developing Countries, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Annelies H Goris
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Gurven
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Hambly
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Asmaa El Hamdouchi
- Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition et Alimentation, CNESTEN-Université Ibn Tofail URAC39, Regional Designated Center of Nutrition Associated with AFRA/IAEA, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Marije B Hoos
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sumei Hu
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Noorjehan Joonas
- Central Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mauritius
| | - Annemiek M Joosen
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Katzmarzyk
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kitty P Kempen
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Misaka Kimura
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William E Kraus
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert F Kushner
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Estelle V Lambert
- Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Nader Lessan
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Corby K Martin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anine C Medin
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Erwin P Meijer
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - James C Morehen
- The FA Group, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, UK; Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - James P Morton
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marian L Neuhouser
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and School of Public Health, University of WA, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theresa A Nicklas
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Ojiambo
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
| | - Kirsi H Pietiläinen
- Obesity Research Unit, Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, and Obesity Center, Abdominal Center, Endocrinology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jacob Plange-Rhule
- Department of Physiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Guy Plasqui
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ross L Prentice
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and School of Public Health, University of WA, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Susan B Racette
- Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David A Raichlen
- Biological Sciences and Anthropology, University of Southern California, California, USA
| | - Eric Ravussin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susan B Roberts
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington St., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Anders M Sjödin
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eric Stice
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Samuel S Urlacher
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giulio Valenti
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Phillips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ludo M Van Etten
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Edgar A Van Mil
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo and Lifestyle Medicine Center for Children, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - George Wilson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brian M Wood
- Department of Anthropology University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Behavior, Ecology, and Culture
| | - Jack Yanovski
- Growth and Obesity, Division of Intramural Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tsukasa Yoshida
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xueying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexia J Murphy-Alford
- Nutritional and Health Related Environmental Studies Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia U Loechl
- Nutritional and Health Related Environmental Studies Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amy H Luke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
| | - Jennifer Rood
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
| | - Hiroyuki Sagayama
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Dale A Schoeller
- Biotech Center and Nutritional Sciences University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Klaas R Westerterp
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - William W Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan, and Institute for Active Health, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - John R Speakman
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; State Key Laboratory of Molecular developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; CAS Center of Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Kunming, China.
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9
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León-Prados JA, Jemni M. Reliability and agreement in technical and artistic scores during real-time judging in two European acrobatic gymnastic events. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2021.1996913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monèm Jemni
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK
- The University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge, UK
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11
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Fink B, Apalkova Y, Butovskaya ML, Shackelford TK. Are There Differences in Experts' and Lay Assessors' Attractiveness Judgments of Non-Professional Men's Dance/Gait Movements? Percept Mot Skills 2020; 128:492-506. [PMID: 33092486 DOI: 10.1177/0031512520967607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research on attractiveness assessments of men's dance has shown that raters derive and integrate information about male mating-related qualities into their attractiveness assessments, but prior studies have focused on lay assessors (i.e., individuals with no professional dance background) rather than dance experts. We recruited male and female Russian dance experts (n = 23) to judge gender-neutral, featureless virtual characters, animated with motion-captured dance movements and gaits of British men, and compared their dance assessments to those from a group of Russian male and female lay assessors (n = 73). The dance experts provided higher dance and gait attractiveness judgments than the lay assessors. Both groups judged the gait movements to be of higher attractiveness than the dance movements. Differences in attractiveness assessments between experts and lay assessors were larger for the male judges than for the female judges. In an additional survey, the dance experts (versus lay assessors) placed greater emphasis on the importance of dance-related capacities and skills. We discuss our findings with reference to past research on dance/gait attractiveness as assessed by lay judges and the role of expertise in assessing body movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Fink
- Biosocial Science Information, Biedermannsdorf, Austria.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yulia Apalkova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Marina L Butovskaya
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Social Anthropology Research and Education Center, Russian State University for Humanities, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Todd K Shackelford
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, United States
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12
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D'Argenio G, Finisguerra A, Urgesi C. Motion and Gender-Typing Features Interact in the Perception of Human Bodies. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:277. [PMID: 32372898 PMCID: PMC7186348 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human body conveys socially relevant information, including a person's gender. Several studies have shown that both shape and motion inform gender judgments of bodies. However, while body shape seems to influence more the judgment of female bodies, body motion seems to play a major role in the judgments of male bodies. Yet, the interdependence of morphologic and dynamic cues in shaping gender judgment and attractiveness evaluation in body perception is still unclear. In two experiments, we investigated how variations of implied motion and shape interact in perceptual and affective judgments of female and male bodies. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to provide ratings for masculinity and femininity of virtual renderings of human bodies with variable gender-typing features and implied motion. We found evidence of a tendency to perceive bodies in static poses as more feminine and bodies in dynamic poses as more masculine. In Experiment 2, participants rated the same pictures for dynamism and pleasantness. We found that male bodies were judged more dynamic than female bodies with the same pose. Also, female bodies were liked more in static than in dynamic poses. A mediation analysis allowed us to further shed light on the relationship between gender-typing features and motion, suggesting that the less is the movement conveyed by a female body, the greater is an observer's sensitivity to its femininity, and this leads to a more positive evaluation of its pleasantness. Our findings hint to an association between stillness and femininity in body perception, which can stem from either the evolutionary meaning of sexual selection and/or the influence of cultural norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia D'Argenio
- PhD Program in Neural and Cognitive Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pasian di Prato, Udine, Italy
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13
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Chang M, O'Dwyer N, Adams R, Cobley S, Lee KY, Halaki M. Whole-body kinematics and coordination in a complex dance sequence: Differences across skill levels. Hum Mov Sci 2019; 69:102564. [PMID: 31989956 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2019.102564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study examined differences across skill levels in the kinematics of a complex, whole-body, asymmetrical, cyclical dance sequence, the 'Alternate Basic' in Cha-Cha-Cha, to determine whether observed differences were consistent with Bernstein's (1967) model of development of coordination. Bernstein proposed that with novel motor skills, beginners move their bodies rigidly and spastically, freezing kinematic degrees of freedom (DOF) to constrain the motor system. As the skill becomes practised, the DOF unfreeze and movements become more dynamic, allowing the integration of reactional elements (passive forces, moments, etc.) and organisation of more complex coordinative structures. Twenty-nine dancers - beginners (n = 10), intermediates (n = 10), experts (n = 9) - performed 12 cycles of the dance sequence (total duration ~60 s). Three-dimensional kinematic data from 36 joint angles were collected using a 14-camera infrared motion capture system. Most joints displayed increased amplitude and speed of movement, especially early in skill progression (beginner-intermediate stage), with no evidence of any decreases, showing that unfreezing occurred around the general movement pattern early. Speed of movement continued to increase later (intermediate-expert stage), as well as further unfreezing of the upper limbs. Changes to intra-limb couplings were limited, comprising some early reductions in coupling strength. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that the structure of movement became more organised with increased skill. There was an early reduction in the number of coordinative structures, while later, movement was integrated more into the first coordinative structure. As predicted by Bernstein's coordination development model, therefore, the kinematic DOF unfroze as skill level progressed, leading to increased organisation of coordinative structures. The results of this study support the importance of a whole-body perspective in studies of coordination, with incorporation of kinetic variables in future research in order to examine the role that reactional elements play in motor skill development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chang
- University of Sydney, Australia; Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Nicholas O'Dwyer
- University of Sydney, Australia; Charles Sturt University, Australia
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14
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Premelč J, Vučković G, James N, Leskošek B. Reliability of Judging in DanceSport. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1001. [PMID: 31133935 PMCID: PMC6524706 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the new judging system in DanceSport. METHODS Eighteen judges rated the 12 best placed adult dancing couples competing at an international competition. They marked each couple on all judging criteria on a 10 level scale. Absolute agreement and consistency of judging were calculated for all main judging criteria and sub-criteria. RESULTS A mean correlation of overall judging marks was 0.48. Kendall's coefficient of concordance for overall marks (W = 0.58) suggesting relatively low agreement among judges. Slightly lower coefficients were found for the artistic part [Partnering skills (W = 0.45) and Choreography and performance (W = 0.49)] compared to the technical part [Technical qualities (W = 0.56) and Movement to music (W = 0.54)]. ICC for overall criteria was low for absolute agreement [ICC(2,3) = 0.62] but higher for consistency [ICC(3,3) = 0.80]. CONCLUSION The relatively large differences between judges' marks suggest that judges either disagreed to some extent on the quality of the dancing or used the judging scale in different ways. The biggest concern was standard error of measurement (SEM) which was often larger than the difference between dancers scores suggesting that this judging system lacks validity. This was the first research to assess judging in DanceSport and offers suggestions to potentially improve both its objectivity and validity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Premelč
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Vučković
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nic James
- School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bojan Leskošek
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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Briffa M, Lane SM. The role of skill in animal contests: a neglected component of fighting ability. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1596. [PMID: 28954913 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
What attributes make some individuals more likely to win a fight than others? A range of morphological and physiological traits have been studied intensely but far less focus has been placed on the actual agonistic behaviours used. Current studies of agonistic behaviour focus on contest duration and the vigour of fighting. It also seems obvious that individuals that fight more skilfully should have a greater chance of winning a fight. Here, we discuss the meaning of skill in animal fights. As the activities of each opponent can be disrupted by the behaviour of their rival, we differentiate among ability, technique and skill itself. In addition to efficient, accurate and sometimes precise movement, skilful fighting also requires rapid decision-making, so that appropriate tactics and strategies are selected. We consider how these different components of skill could be acquired, through genes, experiences of play-fighting and of real fights. Skilful fighting can enhance resource holding potential (RHP) by allowing for sustained vigour, by inflicting greater costs on opponents and by minimizing the chance of damage. Therefore, we argue that skill is a neglected but important component of RHP that could be readily studied to provide new insights into the evolution of agonistic behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Briffa
- School of Biological and Marine Science, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL3 8AA, UK
| | - Sarah M Lane
- School of Biological and Marine Science, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL3 8AA, UK
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16
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Christensen JF, Cela-Conde CJ, Gomila A. Not all about sex: neural and biobehavioral functions of human dance. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1400:8-32. [PMID: 28787539 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides an integrative review of neuroscientific and biobehavioral evidence about the effects of dance on the individual across cultural differences. Dance moves us, and many derive aesthetic pleasure from it. However, in addition-and beyond aesthetics-we propose that dance has noteworthy, deeper neurobiological effects. We first summarize evidence that illustrates the centrality of dance to human life indirectly from archaeology, comparative psychology, developmental psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. Second, we review empirical evidence for six neural and biobehavioral functions of dance: (1) attentional focus/flow, (2) basic emotional experiences, (3) imagery, (4) communication, (5) self-intimation, and (6) social cohesion. We discuss the reviewed evidence in relation to current debates in the field of empirical enquiry into the functions of human dance, questioning the positions that dance is (1) just for pleasure, (2) all about sex, (3) just for mood management and well-being, and (4) for experts only. Being a young field, evidence is still piecemeal and inconclusive. This review aims to take a step toward a systematization of an emerging avenue of research: a neuro- and biobehavioral science of dance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Christensen
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camilo José Cela-Conde
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Antoni Gomila
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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17
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Vicary S, Sperling M, von Zimmermann J, Richardson DC, Orgs G. Joint action aesthetics. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180101. [PMID: 28742849 PMCID: PMC5526561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchronized movement is a ubiquitous feature of dance and music performance. Much research into the evolutionary origins of these cultural practices has focused on why humans perform rather than watch or listen to dance and music. In this study, we show that movement synchrony among a group of performers predicts the aesthetic appreciation of live dance performances. We developed a choreography that continuously manipulated group synchronization using a defined movement vocabulary based on arm swinging, walking and running. The choreography was performed live to four audiences, as we continuously tracked the performers' movements, and the spectators' affective responses. We computed dynamic synchrony among performers using cross recurrence analysis of data from wrist accelerometers, and implicit measures of arousal from spectators' heart rates. Additionally, a subset of spectators provided continuous ratings of enjoyment and perceived synchrony using tablet computers. Granger causality analyses demonstrate predictive relationships between synchrony, enjoyment ratings and spectator arousal, if audiences form a collectively consistent positive or negative aesthetic evaluation. Controlling for the influence of overall movement acceleration and visual change, we show that dance communicates group coordination via coupled movement dynamics among a group of performers. Our findings are in line with an evolutionary function of dance-and perhaps all performing arts-in transmitting social signals between groups of people. Human movement is the common denominator of dance, music and theatre. Acknowledging the time-sensitive and immediate nature of the performer-spectator relationship, our study makes a significant step towards an aesthetics of joint actions in the performing arts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci Vicary
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jorina von Zimmermann
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C. Richardson
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Orgs
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Fink B, Shackelford TK. Why Did Dance Evolve? A Comment on Laland, Wilkins, and Clayton (2016). EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-016-0075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Motor pattern during fights in the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus : evidence for the role of skill in animal contests. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Optimal asymmetry and other motion parameters that characterise high-quality female dance. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42435. [PMID: 28181991 PMCID: PMC5299992 DOI: 10.1038/srep42435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dance is a universal human behaviour that is observed particularly in courtship contexts, and that provides information that could be useful to potential partners. Here, we use a data-driven approach to pinpoint the movements that discriminate female dance quality. Using 3D motion-capture we recorded women whilst they danced to a basic rhythm. Video clips of 39 resultant avatars were rated for dance quality, and those ratings were compared to quantitative measurements of the movement patterns using multi-level models. Three types of movement contributed independently to high-quality female dance: greater hip swing, more asymmetric movements of the thighs, and intermediate levels of asymmetric movements of the arms. Hip swing is a trait that identifies female movement, and the ability to move limbs asymmetrically (i.e. independently of the other) may attest to well-developed motor control, so long as this limb independence does not verge into uncontrolled pathological movement. We also found that the same level of dance quality could be predicted by different combinations of dance features. Our work opens avenues to exploring the functional significance, informational content, and temporal sequencing of the different types of movement in dance.
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21
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Gierszewski S, Müller K, Smielik I, Hütwohl JM, Kuhnert KD, Witte K. The virtual lover: variable and easily guided 3D fish animations as an innovative tool in mate-choice experiments with sailfin mollies-II. Validation. Curr Zool 2017; 63:65-74. [PMID: 29491964 PMCID: PMC5804156 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of computer animation in behavioral research is a state-of-the-art method for designing and presenting animated animals to live test animals. The major advantages of computer animations are: (1) the creation of animated animal stimuli with high variability of morphology and even behavior; (2) animated stimuli provide highly standardized, controlled and repeatable testing procedures; and (3) they allow a reduction in the number of live test animals regarding the 3Rs principle. But the use of animated animals should be attended by a thorough validation for each test species to verify that behavior measured with live animals toward virtual animals can also be expected with natural stimuli. Here we present results on the validation of a custom-made simulation for animated 3D sailfin mollies Poecilia latipinna and show that responses of live test females were as strong to an animated fish as to a video or a live male fish. Movement of an animated stimulus was important but female response was stronger toward a swimming 3D fish stimulus than to a "swimming" box. Moreover, male test fish were able to discriminate between animated male and female stimuli; hence, rendering the animated 3D fish a useful tool in mate-choice experiments with sailfin mollies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Gierszewski
- Research Group of Ecology and Behavioral Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 2, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | - Klaus Müller
- Institute of Real-Time Learning Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Siegen, Hölderlinstraße 3, Siegen, 57076, Germany
| | - Ievgen Smielik
- Institute of Real-Time Learning Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Siegen, Hölderlinstraße 3, Siegen, 57076, Germany
| | - Jan-Marco Hütwohl
- Institute of Real-Time Learning Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Siegen, Hölderlinstraße 3, Siegen, 57076, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Kuhnert
- Institute of Real-Time Learning Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Siegen, Hölderlinstraße 3, Siegen, 57076, Germany
| | - Klaudia Witte
- Research Group of Ecology and Behavioral Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 2, Siegen, 57068, Germany
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22
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Safron A. What is orgasm? A model of sexual trance and climax via rhythmic entrainment. SOCIOAFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 6:31763. [PMID: 27799079 PMCID: PMC5087698 DOI: 10.3402/snp.v6.31763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Orgasm is one of the most intense pleasures attainable to an organism, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. On the basis of existing literatures, this article introduces a novel mechanistic model of sexual stimulation and orgasm. In doing so, it characterizes the neurophenomenology of sexual trance and climax, describes parallels in dynamics between orgasms and seizures, speculates on possible evolutionary origins of sex differences in orgasmic responding, and proposes avenues for future experimentation. Here, a model is introduced wherein sexual stimulation induces entrainment of coupling mechanical and neuronal oscillatory systems, thus creating synchronized functional networks within which multiple positive feedback processes intersect synergistically to contribute to sexual experience. These processes generate states of deepening sensory absorption and trance, potentially culminating in climax if critical thresholds are surpassed. The centrality of rhythmic stimulation (and its modulation by salience) for surpassing these thresholds suggests ways in which differential orgasmic responding between individuals-or with different partners-may serve as a mechanism for ensuring adaptive mate choice. Because the production of rhythmic stimulation combines honest indicators of fitness with cues relating to potential for investment, differential orgasmic response may serve to influence the probability of continued sexual encounters with specific mates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Safron
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA;
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23
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Richter J, Ostovar R. "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got that Swing"- an Alternative Concept for Understanding the Evolution of Dance and Music in Human Beings. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:485. [PMID: 27774058 PMCID: PMC5054692 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of dance and music in human evolution are a mystery. Current research on the evolution of music has mainly focused on its melodic attribute which would have evolved alongside (proto-)language. Instead, we propose an alternative conceptual framework which focuses on the co-evolution of rhythm and dance (R&D) as intertwined aspects of a multimodal phenomenon characterized by the unity of action and perception. Reviewing the current literature from this viewpoint we propose the hypothesis that R&D have co-evolved long before other musical attributes and (proto-)language. Our view is supported by increasing experimental evidence particularly in infants and children: beat is perceived and anticipated already by newborns and rhythm perception depends on body movement. Infants and toddlers spontaneously move to a rhythm irrespective of their cultural background. The impulse to dance may have been prepared by the susceptibility of infants to be soothed by rocking. Conceivable evolutionary functions of R&D include sexual attraction and transmission of mating signals. Social functions include bonding, synchronization of many individuals, appeasement of hostile individuals, and pre- and extra-verbal communication enabling embodied individual and collective memorizing. In many cultures R&D are used for entering trance, a base for shamanism and early religions. Individual benefits of R&D include improvement of body coordination, as well as painkilling, anti-depressive, and anti-boredom effects. Rhythm most likely paved the way for human speech as supported by studies confirming the overlaps between cognitive and neural resources recruited for language and rhythm. In addition, dance encompasses visual and gestural communication. In future studies attention should be paid to which attribute of music is focused on and that the close mutual relation between R&D is taken into account. The possible evolutionary functions of dance deserve more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Richter
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité UniversitätsmedizinBerlin, Germany
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24
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Sato N, Nunome H, Ikegami Y. Key motion characteristics of side-step movements in hip-hop dance and their effect on the evaluation by judges. Sports Biomech 2016; 15:116-27. [PMID: 27111833 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2016.1158861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In hip-hop dance, the elements of motion that discriminate the skill levels of dancers and that influence the evaluations by judges have not been clearly identified. This study set out to extract these motion characteristics from the side-step movements of hip-hop dancing. Eight expert and eight non-expert dancers performed side-step movements, which were recorded using a motion capture system. Nine experienced judges evaluated the dancers' performances. Several parameters, including the range of motion (ROM) of the joint angles (neck, trunk, hip, knee, and face inclination) and phase delays between these angular motions were calculated. A quarter-cycle phase delay between the neck motion and other body parts, seen only in the expert dancers, is highlighted as an element that can distinguish dancers' skill levels. This feature of the expert dancers resulted in a larger ROM during the face inclination than that for the non-expert dancers. In addition, the experts exhibited a bottom-to-top segmental sequence in the horizontal direction while the non-experts did not demonstrate any such sequential motion. Of these kinematic parameters, only the ROM of the face inclination was highly correlated to the judging score and is regarded as being the most appealing element of the side-step movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahoko Sato
- a Faculty of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Physical Therapy , Nagoya Gakuin University , Seto , Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nunome
- b Faculty of Sports and Health Science , Fukuoka University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Yasuo Ikegami
- c Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , Aichi Shukutoku University , Nagakute , Japan
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25
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Koppensteiner M, Stephan P, Jäschke JPM. Shaking Takete and Flowing Maluma. Non-Sense Words Are Associated with Motion Patterns. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150610. [PMID: 26939013 PMCID: PMC4777495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
People assign the artificial words takete and kiki to spiky, angular figures and the artificial words maluma and bouba to rounded figures. We examined whether such a cross-modal correspondence could also be found for human body motion. We transferred the body movements of speakers onto two-dimensional coordinates and created animated stick-figures based on this data. Then we invited people to judge these stimuli using the words takete-maluma, bouba-kiki, and several verbal descriptors that served as measures of angularity/smoothness. In addition to this we extracted the quantity of motion, the velocity of motion and the average angle between motion vectors from the coordinate data. Judgments of takete (and kiki) were related to verbal descriptors of angularity, a high quantity of motion, high velocity and sharper angles. Judgments of maluma (or bouba) were related to smooth movements, a low velocity, a lower quantity of motion and blunter angles. A forced-choice experiment during which we presented subsets with low and high rankers on our motion measures revealed that people preferably assigned stimuli displaying fast movements with sharp angles in motion vectors to takete and stimuli displaying slow movements with blunter angles in motion vectors to maluma. Results indicated that body movements share features with information inherent in words such as takete and maluma and that people perceive the body movements of speakers on the level of changes in motion direction (e.g., body moves to the left and then back to the right). Follow-up studies are needed to clarify whether impressions of angularity and smoothness have similar communicative values across different modalities and how this affects social judgments and person perception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pia Stephan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Men's perception of women's dance movements depends on mating context, but not men's sociosexual orientation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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More than words: Judgments of politicians and the role of different communication channels. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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28
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Zamparo P, Zorzi E, Marcantoni S, Cesari P. Is Beauty in the Eyes of the Beholder? Aesthetic Quality versus Technical Skill in Movement Evaluation of Tai Chi. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128357. [PMID: 26047473 PMCID: PMC4457604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare experts to naïve practitioners in rating the beauty and the technical quality of a Tai Chi sequence observed in video-clips (of high and middle level performances). Our hypothesis are: i) movement evaluation will correlate with the level of skill expressed in the kinematics of the observed action but ii) only experts will be able to unravel the technical component from the aesthetic component of the observed action. The judgments delivered indicate that both expert and non-expert observers are able to discern a good from a mediocre performance; however, as expected, only experts discriminate the technical from the aesthetic component of the action evaluated and do this independently of the level of skill shown by the model (high or middle level performances). Furthermore, the judgments delivered were strongly related to the kinematic variables measured in the observed model, indicating that observers rely on specific movement kinematics (e.g. movement amplitude, jerk and duration) for action evaluation. These results provide evidence of the complementary functional role of visual and motor action representation in movement evaluation and underline the role of expertise in judging the aesthetic quality of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zamparo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Elena Zorzi
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Marcantoni
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Cesari
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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29
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Fink B, Weege B, Neave N, Pham MN, Shackelford TK. Integrating body movement into attractiveness research. Front Psychol 2015; 6:220. [PMID: 25784887 PMCID: PMC4347579 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
People judge attractiveness and make trait inferences from the physical appearance of others, and research reveals high agreement among observers making such judgments. Evolutionary psychologists have argued that interest in physical appearance and beauty reflects adaptations that motivate the search for desirable qualities in a potential partner. Although men more than women value the physical appearance of a partner, appearance universally affects social perception in both sexes. Most studies of attractiveness perceptions have focused on third party assessments of static representations of the face and body. Corroborating evidence suggests that body movement, such as dance, also conveys information about mate quality. Here we review evidence that dynamic cues (e.g., gait, dance) also influence perceptions of mate quality, including personality traits, strength, and overall attractiveness. We recommend that attractiveness research considers the informational value of body movement in addition to static cues, to present an integrated perspective on human social perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Fink
- Institute of Psychology, University of Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany ; Courant Research Center Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bettina Weege
- Institute of Psychology, University of Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany ; Courant Research Center Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nick Neave
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michael N Pham
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University , Rochester, MI, USA
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Women’s Attractiveness Perception of Men’s Dance Movements in Relation to Self-Reported and Perceived Personality. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-014-0004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Fink B, Weege B, Neave N, Ried B, Cardoso Do Lago O. Female Perceptions of Male Body Movements. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0314-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Cappelle T, Fink B. Changes in Women's Attractiveness Perception of Masculine Men's Dances across the Ovulatory Cycle: Preliminary Data. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/147470491301100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Women's preferences for putative cues of genetic quality in men's voices, faces, bodies, and behavioral displays are stronger during the fertile phase of the ovulatory cycle. Here we show that ovulatory cycle-related changes in women's attractiveness perceptions of male features are also found with dance movements, especially those perceived as highly masculine. Dance movements of 79 British men were recorded with an optical motion-capture system whilst dancing to a basic rhythm. Virtual humanoid characters (avatars) were created and converted into 15-second video clips and rated by 37 women on masculinity. Another 23 women judged the attractiveness of the 10 dancers who scored highest and those 10 who scored lowest on masculinity once in days of high fertility and once in days of low fertility of their ovulatory cycle. High-masculine dancers were judged higher on attractiveness around ovulation than on other cycle days, whilst no such perceptual difference was found for low-masculine dancers. We suggest that women may gain fitness benefits from evolved preferences for masculinity cues they obtain from male dance movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Cappelle
- Department of Biological Personality Psychology and Diagnostics and Courant
Research Centre Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen,
Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Fink
- Department of Biological Personality Psychology and Diagnostics and Courant
Research Centre Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen,
Göttingen, Germany
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Koppensteiner M. Motion cues that make an impression: Predicting perceived personality by minimal motion information. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 49:1137-1143. [PMID: 24223432 PMCID: PMC3819996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study presents a methodology to analyze first impressions on the basis of minimal motion information. In order to test the applicability of the approach brief silent video clips of 40 speakers were presented to independent observers (i.e., did not know speakers) who rated them on measures of the Big Five personality traits. The body movements of the speakers were then captured by placing landmarks on the speakers' forehead, one shoulder and the hands. Analysis revealed that observers ascribe extraversion to variations in the speakers' overall activity, emotional stability to the movements' relative velocity, and variation in motion direction to openness. Although ratings of openness and conscientiousness were related to biographical data of the speakers (i.e., measures of career progress), measures of body motion failed to provide similar results. In conclusion, analysis of motion behavior might be done on the basis of a small set of landmarks that seem to capture important parts of relevant nonverbal information. Body movements of politicians making a speech were captured. Short video clips of these speeches were rated on personality. Motion cues were related to personality traits and measures of career progress. Simple motion cues and simple cognitive processes may guide impression formation. Simple motion cues may play an important role in human communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Koppensteiner
- Department of Anthropology/Human Behavior Research, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Cappelle T, Fink B. Changes in women's attractiveness perception of masculine men's dances across the ovulatory cycle: preliminary data. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 11:965-72. [PMID: 24113580 PMCID: PMC10429995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Women's preferences for putative cues of genetic quality in men's voices, faces, bodies, and behavioral displays are stronger during the fertile phase of the ovulatory cycle. Here we show that ovulatory cycle-related changes in women's attractiveness perceptions of male features are also found with dance movements, especially those perceived as highly masculine. Dance movements of 79 British men were recorded with an optical motion-capture system whilst dancing to a basic rhythm. Virtual humanoid characters (avatars) were created and converted into 15-second video clips and rated by 37 women on masculinity. Another 23 women judged the attractiveness of the 10 dancers who scored highest and those 10 who scored lowest on masculinity once in days of high fertility and once in days of low fertility of their ovulatory cycle. High-masculine dancers were judged higher on attractiveness around ovulation than on other cycle days, whilst no such perceptual difference was found for low-masculine dancers. We suggest that women may gain fitness benefits from evolved preferences for masculinity cues they obtain from male dance movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Cappelle
- Department of Biological Personality Psychology and Diagnostics and Courant
Research Centre Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen,
Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Fink
- Department of Biological Personality Psychology and Diagnostics and Courant
Research Centre Evolution of Social Behavior, University of Göttingen,
Göttingen, Germany
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McCarty K, Hönekopp J, Neave N, Caplan N, Fink B. Male body movements as possible cues to physical strength: a biomechanical analysis. Am J Hum Biol 2013; 25:307-12. [PMID: 23348829 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comparative research suggests that male courtship displays signal condition-dependent traits tofemales; these displays might also provide cues to potential male competitors. Although some associations betweenhuman movements and physical/behavioral qualities have been found, such research has typically only been conducted from a perspective of female mate choice. Here, using advanced motion capture and biomechanical analyses, we examine the extent to which male dancing provides cues about the dancer's physical qualities to both males and females. METHODS Thirty men aged 19-37 were recorded using motion-capture technology as they danced to a standard rhythm. Participants also completed a vascular fitness test, assessments of upper- and lower-body strength, and biomechanical indices were extracted from their dance movements. Dance clips were converted into virtual humanoid characters (avatars) and rated by 27 women and 21 men on perceived dance quality. RESULTS General linear mixed modeling revealed that both handgrip strength and arm movements of the dancer were statistically significant predictors of dance quality ratings; stronger males who displayed larger, more variable, and faster movements of their arms being rated as better dancers. There was no effect of the sex of the observer in predicting dance quality ratings, indicating that male and female observers rated dance quality equivalently. Physical fitness was not associated with perceived dance quality. CONCLUSIONS Men and women are able to derive certain quality cues from observing male dance movements in the form of controlled stimuli. Thus, male dancing may form a condition-dependent ornament of certain aspects of mate quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofor McCarty
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
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Torrents C, Castañer M, Jofre T, Morey G, Reverter F. Kinematic Parameters That Influence the Aesthetic Perception of Beauty in Contemporary Dance. Perception 2013; 42:447-58. [DOI: 10.1068/p7117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Some experiments have stablished that certain kinematic parameters can influence the subjective aesthetic perception of the dance audience. Neave, McCarty, Freynik, Caplan, Hönekopp, and Fink (2010, Biology Letters 7 221–224) reported eleven movement parameters in non-expert male dancers, showing a significant positive correlation with perceived dance quality. We aim to identify some of the kinematic parameters of expert dancers' movements that influence the subjective aesthetic perception of observers in relation to specific skills of contemporary dance. Four experienced contemporary dancers performed three repetitions of four dance-related motor skills. Motion was captured by a VICON-MX system. The resulting 48 animations were viewed by 108 observers. The observers judged beauty using a semantic differential. The data were then subjected to multiple factor analysis. The results suggested that there were strong associations between higher beauty scores and certain kinematic parameters, especially those related to amplitude of movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Torrents
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalunya (INEFC), Universitat de Lleida, E-25192 Lleida, Spain
| | - Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalunya (INEFC), Universitat de Lleida, E-25192 Lleida, Spain
| | - Toni Jofre
- Laboratory for the Functional Analysis of Shoes, INESCOP Inca, Spain
| | - Gaspar Morey
- Laboratory for the Functional Analysis of Shoes, INESCOP Inca, Spain
| | - Ferran Reverter
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Weege B, Lange BP, Fink B. Women’s visual attention to variation in men’s dance quality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Saad G. Nothing in Popular Culture Makes Sense except in the Light of Evolution. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1037/a0027906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An evolutionary lens can inform the study of cultural forms in a myriad of ways. These can be construed as adaptations, as exaptations (evolutionary byproducts), as gene–culture interactions, as memes, or as fossils of the human mind. Products of popular culture (e.g., song lyrics, movie themes, romance novels) are to evolutionary cultural theorists what fossils and skeletal remains represent to paleontologists. Although human minds do not fossilize or skeletonize (the cranium does), the cultural products created by human minds do. By identifying universally recurring themes for a given cultural form (song lyrics and collective wisdoms in the current article), spanning a wide range of cultures and time periods, one is able to test key tenets of evolutionary psychology. In addition to using evolutionary psychology to understand the contents of popular culture, the discipline can itself be studied as a contributor to popular culture. Beginning with the sociobiology debates in the 1970s, evolutionary informed analyses of human behavior have engendered great fascination and animus among the public at large. Following a brief summary of studies that have explored the diffusion of the evolutionary behavioral sciences within specific communities (e.g., the British media), I offer a case analysis of the penetration of evolutionary psychology within the blogosphere, specifically the blog community hosted by Psychology Today.
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Women’s perception of men’s sensation seeking propensity from their dance movements. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Barske J, Schlinger BA, Wikelski M, Fusani L. Female choice for male motor skills. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 278:3523-8. [PMID: 21508030 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection was proposed by Darwin to explain the evolution of male sexual traits such as ornaments and elaborate courtship displays. Empirical and theoretical studies have traditionally focused on ornaments; the reasons for the evolution of elaborate, acrobatic courtship displays remain unclear. We addressed the hypothesis that females choose males on the basis of subtle differences in display performance, indicating motor skills that facilitate survival. Male golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus) perform elaborate, acrobatic courtship displays. We used high-speed cameras to record the displays of wild males and analysed them in relation to male reproductive success. Females preferred males that performed specific display moves at greater speed, with differences of tens of milliseconds strongly impacting female preference. In additional males, we recorded telemetrically the heart rate during courtship using miniature transmitters and found that courtship is associated with profoundly elevated heart rates, revealing a large metabolic investment. Our study provides evidence that females choose their mates on the basis of subtle differences in motor performance during courtship. We propose that elaborate, acrobatic courtship dances evolve because they reflect motor skills and cardiovascular function of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Barske
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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