What is semantic space theory?

Scientists at Hume are using semantic space theory (SST) to study emotions in a more comprehensive way than traditional methods. SST uses computational methods and data-driven approaches to map the full spectrum of human feelings, capturing complex, nuanced appraisals that people make about emotion. The approach has led to three major insights: 1) Emotion is high-dimensional, with studies consistently finding that upwards of 20 distinct dimensions characterize emotions; 2) Emotion categories are not discrete but heterogeneous and often blended; and 3) Specific emotions are real and they organize emotional behavior. SST harnesses advanced computational, statistical, and data collection approaches to provide a path forward for the scientific study of emotion that acknowledges the full complexity of human experiences and feelings.