AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a universal emotion?

1. Happiness

2. Sadness

3. Curiosity

4. Anger

The correct answer is: Curiosity

Universal emotions are typically defined as emotions that are recognized and experienced similarly across different cultures and societies. They often include emotions that are fundamental to human experience, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. Curiosity, however, is not considered a universal emotion in the same way as the others. While curiosity certainly exists and is a driving force for exploration and learning, it is more context-dependent and influenced by individual differences, cultural factors, and situational variables. Therefore, it may not be recognized or expressed uniformly across all cultures the way happiness, sadness, and anger are. Happiness and sadness are fundamental emotional responses to life experiences that nearly all humans encounter, while anger is a reaction to perceived threats or injustices that can evoke a universal response. Since curiosity lacks the same level of universality and is shaped significantly by external contexts and personal development, it is the correct choice for what is not considered a universal emotion.