Research Methods To determine how one would analyze research methods for uncovering basic emotions, one must first understand what the basic emotions consist. Deckers stated, “Psychologists have classified emotions into basic categories” (2010, p. 315). The three basic theories of human emotions are category analysis evolution theory and facial expressions. The evolutionary theory and facial expressions theory will be discussed.
Evolutionary Theory Evolutionary. Within the research method of evolution theory, is how emotions influence human and animal survival. This theory identifies eight emotions that correlate to functions required for the continued survival of the species in question. For instance, an emotion of one’s fear aids protection of a species as it provokes running to safety, thus promoting survival. Within the evolution theory these eight emotions, which are crucial for survival, include reproduction, incorporation, orientation, reintegration, fear, destruction, exploration, and rejection (Deckers, 2010). Another example is in some young animals have a response, which makes them freeze. This response is triggered by fear if the animal feels threatened by predators. The animal will immediately stop all movement and freeze in place making it harder for a predator to track their movements (Deckers, 2010). This type of behavior is also seen in humans threatened by danger, some will become almost catatonic in a state of shock unable to move talk or follow simple commands. Some scientists believe that this behavior is an old evolutionary response developed over many years and may have aided ancestors in survival.
Facial Expressions
Facial Expressions. The second theory is the theory of facial expression. This theory is based on the premise that all of our basic emotions have a corresponding facial expression and that these facial expressions can be read and interpreted. When no facial expression is shown, the state cannot subsist as a consideration of one’s emotion because all emotions have distinctive facial expressions. Leading scientist Ekman and Izard discovered that posed facial expressions are universally identifiable by people of different cultures throughout the world (Deckers, 2010). They theorized the emotion that was felt and the intensity of the facial expression were directly related. The facial expressions theory includes six universal basic emotions, in which are surprise, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and self-conscious emotions. Understanding both theories it is believed that they have valid points; however the answer rarely lies in one theory. Because of the complexity of human nature, it is likely that true human emotion is a combination of these two theories or maybe all three.

Deckers, L. (2010). Motivation: Biological, Psychological, and Environmental (3rd ed.).
Boston: Pearson Allyn and Bacon.