Masked Emotion FilmClip Dataset (MEFD): Emotion Elicitation with Facial Coverings

Masked Emotion FilmClip Dataset (MEFD): Emotion Elicitation with Facial Coverings

The Masked Emotion FilmClip Dataset (MEFD) stands as an avant-garde assembly of emotion-inducing video clips tailored for a unique niche - the elicitation of emotions in individuals wearing facial masks. This dataset emerges in response to the global need to understand emotional cues and expressions in the backdrop of widespread facial mask usage. Assembled by leveraging the synergies between cinematography and psychological research, MEFD serves as an invaluable trove for researchers, especially those in AI, seeking to decode emotions even when a significant portion of the face is concealed.

Dataset Highlights:

• Facial Masks: All subjects in the video clips are seen wearing facial masks, replicating real-world scenarios and augmenting the dataset's relevance.
• Film Titles: The title of each selected film enriching the context of the emotional narrative.
• Emotion Label: Clear emotion classification associated with every clip, ensuring replicability in emotional elicitation.
• Clip Duration: Precise duration details ensuring standardized exposure and consistent emotion elicitation.
• Curated with Expertise: Clips have undergone rigorous evaluation by seasoned psychologists and film critics, affirming their effectiveness in eliciting the designated emotion.
• Consent and Ethics: The dataset respects and upholds privacy and ethical standards. Every participant provided informed consent. This endeavor has received the green light from the Ethics Committee at the University of Granada, documented under the reference: 2100/CEIH/2021.

Emotion-Eliciting Video Clips within Dataset:

Film Targeted Emotion Duration (seconds) The Lover Baseline 43 American History X Anger 106 Cry Freedom Sadness 166 Alive Happiness 310 Scream Fear 395

A paramount feature of MEFD is its emphasis on "key moments". These timestamps, a product of collective expertise from psychologists and film critics, guide the researcher to intervals of heightened emotional resonance within the clips, especially challenging to discern with masked faces.

Key Emotional Moments within Dataset:

Film Targeted Emotion Key moment timestamps (seconds) American History X Anger 36, 57, 68 Cry Freedom Sadness 112, 132, 154 Alive Happiness 227, 270, 289 Scream Fear 23, 42, 79, 226, 279, 299, 334

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DATA STRUCTURE
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SADNESS_XXX.CSV
timestamp    emotion
1625062890.938222    NEUTRAL --> Initial time start for the neutral video
1625062932.567609    SADNESS --> Initial time start for the EMOTION video

Notes:
** Subject id 15: FEAR label started to fast; Neutral data very few
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The ethical consent for this dataset was provided by La Comisión de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad de Granada, as documented in the approval titled: 'DETECCIÓN AUTOMÁTICA DE LAS EMOCIONES BÁSICAS Y SU INFLUENCIA EN LA TOMA DE DECISIONES MEDIANTE WEARABLES Y MACHINE LEARNING' registered under 2100/CEIH/2021.

MEFD is more than just a dataset; it is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. As facial masks become ubiquitous, understanding the nuances of masked emotional expressions becomes imperative. MEFD rises to this challenge, bridging gaps and pioneering a new frontier in emotion research.