Final answer:
The statement that facial expressions of emotion are influenced by universal, biologically innate factors and culturally specific display rules is true. Paul Ekman's research supports this, showing both universal emotional expressions and cultural variations in their display.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the neurocultural theory of emotional expression, facial expressions of emotion are indeed under the dual influence of universal, biologically innate factors and culturally specific, learned display rules. This assertion is true. The pioneering work of Paul Ekman and others has shown that while there are universal facial expressions linked to emotions, cultural display rules dictate how and when these emotions are expressed. These rules vary from one culture to another and are shaped by different societal norms and expectations.
Ekman's research indicates that there are several universal emotions associated with distinct facial expressions that are recognized across different cultures, such as happiness, surprise, sadness, fright, disgust, contempt, and anger. Emotions and their expressions are a complex interplay of cognitive appraisal, physiological responses, and subjective experiences, all of which are informed by individual backgrounds and cultures.
Furthermore, gender differences, tone of voice, and body language are also factors that can influence how emotions are processed and expressed. Even in cases where individuals have not been able to observe these facial displays, such as in congenitally blind individuals, they still exhibit the same facial expressions associated with different emotions, indicating a biological basis for these emotional expressions.