Chapter 4: Training Procedure

Chapter 1 of the Manual explains why it is important that the coder learn how to perform each AU and AU combination on his own face when learning FACS. This will provide:

· an opportunity to learn the mechanics of facial action;

· knowledge of the idiosyncrasies in appearance changes associated with each AU by comparing one's own performance with that of others who are also learning FACS, as well as with the film and photograph demonstrations of each AU;

· a tool to use to confirm the score for a face, by imitating the action observed, and verifying that the AUs needed to visually duplicate the facial action being scored is the list of AUs scored for that action.

· a tool to determine how to score facial actions the scorer cannot analyze by following the scoring steps outlined in Chapters 3 and 10. Imitation can help to determine what AUs are responsible for an appearance change.

Most of the AUs are easy to perform if the coder uses a mirror, studies the anatomical illustrations and follows the instructions. Some AUs are difficult, and it is necessary to encourage the learner to persist in his attempts. As the student proceeds and acquires mastery over the other AUs, the ones which were initially difficult will become accessible to voluntary performance. In our experience virtually all coders have been able to learn virtually all the AUs.

It is important that at least two people learn FACS together.¹ Joint learning will provide:

· the opportunity to see idiosyncrasies in how an AU appears on individual faces;

· the likelihood that if one person cannot perform an AU initially that another person can; seeing the other person do it will help the one having difficulty;

· the likelihood that if one person does not understand an explanation or distinction another person will;

· opportunity to continually monitor reliability in practice scoring, focusing attention on anyone who consistently errs from the rest of a training group.

Don't rush through the chapters of the Manual. Chapter 2 is the hardest chapter, because it first acquaints the coder with the use of terminology and the logic of FACS. Take ample time to study Chapter 2 before proceeding to Chapter 3. Be certain the video illustrations and images have been studied, as well as the Subtle Difference Table. Let the coders practice by having one of them do an AU or AU combination, while the others try to score it. Don't be discouraged by how long it takes to learn Chapter 2. It will get easier.

Chapter 3 in the Manual describes a step-by-step scoring procedure. It is purposefully constructed to be a slow process with many built in checks. Be certain the coders follow this procedure. Later in Chapter 10, they will learn some short cuts they can use. After they have scored the practice items give the correct answer and information listed (Chapter 7 in this Guide) for the upper face. Do not let the coders keep their scoring, as they will be required to score the upper face on these practice items again later.

One Score Sheet should be used for each practice item by each coder. The Score Sheets follow the logic of the scoring procedure in Chapters 3 and 10 and will remind the coder of what he should do. By using the Score sheets it will also be possible to determine if a particular AU was considered or not, and why it was rejected if it was not included in the final scoring. Once FACS has been learned, you may or may not want to continue to use the Score sheets. It may seem a waste of paper and it does take additional time to use them, but it may well serve to enhance reliability and does provide the basis for analyzing any consistent errors.

Chapter 8 of this Guide provides information about how a group of six coders fared in their practice scoring. It allows you to compare yourself and those you are training with a group who succeeded in learning FACS and achieved reliability. You can determine whether you are making the same types of errors, and if you are making the same number of errors. If you are making more errors you should spend more time in study and practice scoring.

After the coders have restudied Chapter 2 in the Manual to clarify any confusions revealed in their scoring of the practice items, proceed to Chapter 4. After they have mastered Chapter 4, they should read Chapter 10 which gives the scoring procedure for the lower face, and repeats the procedure for the upper face. They should then score the items listed at the end of Chapter 4.

Discourage coders from thinking or talking about the meaning of AUs or AU combinations. It may be tempting at first to think of emotions, for example, but it is quite possible for them to become absorbed in describing behavior, which is enough of a task. In time, they should become so absorbed that they think of facial action in terms of the AU numbers forgetting about meaning entirely.

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