Express Yourself

Communication is ubiquitous among animals. Many are familiar with the alarming bark of a dog, the friendly meow of a beloved cat, and the seemingly relentless calls of herring gulls. However, despite communication being widespread throughout nature, only one known species has language; us! As such, a central question among those interested in human evolution, is how did we come to acquire language, and why? This talk will cover some of the key ideas and findings from the field of psychology that bring us closer to answering these perennial questions.

What happens to the body when a person is experiencing stress or fear? This presentation sets out to explain the way in which our bodies might emit signs of discomfort or anxiety. It will give an overview of the nervous systems, the fight or flight response and, in particular, how we might (or might not) be able to identify deception through observation of visible physiological reactions to stressors. Steps from those with ill intent to cover up signs of stress and the reasons for this will also be discussed.