There is a perceived controversy as to whether the cognitive representation
of affect is better modelled using a dimensional or categorical theory. This
paper first suggests that these views are, in fact, compatible. The paper then
discusses this theme and related issues in reference to a commonly stated
application domain of research on human affect and expression: human computer
interaction (HCI). The novel suggestion here is that a more realistic framing
of studies of human affect in expression with reference to HCI and,
particularly HCHI (Human-Computer-Human Interaction) entails some
re-formulation of the approach to the basic phenomena themselves. This theme is
illustrated with several examples from several recent research projects.Comment: Invited article presented at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the
International Society for Psychophysics, Tokyo, Japan, 20-23 October, 2007,
Proceedings of Fechner Day vol. 23 (2007
