Excitation Transfer Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When a person believes their elevated arousal level has decayed back to baseline but, in reality, their arousal level is still above baseline, they are at the ______.

critical point of the decay gradient

What does hedonic tone refer to?

the tone of an emotion--either positive or negative

What is the missing ingredient in excitation transfer theory?

specifying what sorts of things trigger emotional reactions

What is called the rate of decay once a person becomes physiologically aroused?

a decay gradient Signup and view all the answers

According to the reading, what ingredients do emotions consist of?

subjective experience and physiological arousal Signup and view all the answers

According to excitation transfer theory, when a person feels a negative emotion immediately after a positive one, the negative emotion should be less negative since it is influenced by the positive feeling that preceded it.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to be a source of residual excitation that could intensify an emotion?

playing a game of Scrabble with a friend Signup and view all the answers

How are emotions experienced in the period of residual excitation?

more intense than they ordinarily would be Signup and view all the answers

The example used to illustrate the dynamics of excitation transfer was a person who watched a scary movie and went out afterwards with friends to get a snack at a restaurant.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does poor interoception refer to?

the inability of people to detect small to moderate changes in their arousal levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Excitation Transfer Theory Key Concepts

Critical Point of the Decay Gradient: When individuals believe their heightened arousal has returned to baseline while it remains elevated, they are at a pivotal moment in the arousal decay process.
Hedonic Tone: This term describes the emotional tone as either positive or negative, indicating the valence of the emotion experienced.
Missing Ingredient: A crucial element in excitation transfer theory involves identifying specific triggers that provoke emotional responses.
Decay Gradient: Denotes the rate at which physiological arousal diminishes following an emotional experience.
Emotional Composition: Emotions are comprised of subjective experiences and concurrent physiological arousal, which contribute to the felt emotion.
Residual Negative Emotions: Contrary to assumption, experiencing a negative emotion after a positive one does not lessen its intensity due to the preceding positive feeling.
Sources of Residual Excitation: Engaging in activities like playing Scrabble can create residual excitation that may amplify subsequent emotional experiences.
Intensity of Emotions: Emotions felt during periods of residual excitation tend to be more intense than usual, influenced by previously experienced arousal.
Illustrative Example: The dynamics of excitation transfer theory are exemplified by an individual who, after watching a scary movie, feels heightened emotions when socializing afterward.
Poor Interoception: This term describes the difficulty individuals face in detecting subtle to moderate shifts in their arousal levels, impacting emotional awareness and processing.

Description

Test your understanding of excitation transfer theory with these flashcards. Each card presents key concepts and terminology related to arousal and emotional tone. Perfect for students who want to reinforce their knowledge of the theory's principles and applications.