Psychology Chapter on Affect

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Questions and Answers

What are the two key factors that Schachter’s Two-Factor Theory identifies as essential for the experience of emotion?

Cognitive interpretation and behavioral response

Emotion and memory retention

Sensation and perception

Physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation (correct)

How can similar physiological arousals result in different emotional responses according to the cognitive perspective?

Physiological arousal directly causes a single specific emotion.

Emotions cannot be influenced by cognitive factors.

Emotional responses are entirely predetermined by physiological arousal.

Different cognitive interpretations of the same physiological state lead to varied emotions. (correct)

What role does cognition play in the experience of emotions as per Schachter’s Two-Factor Theory?

It helps label and interpret physiological responses. (correct)

It serves as the primary cause of all emotions.

It blocks emotional responses from being experienced.

It solely determines which emotion will be felt.

According to the content, what might lead individuals to incorrectly label their physiological arousal?

Environmental cues and situational context Signup and view all the answers

In Schachter’s Two-Factor Theory, what could a racing heart and sweaty palms signify depending on the context?

Fear in a threatening situation or excitement in a positive opportunity Signup and view all the answers

Which component is not a primary aspect of emotions as defined in psychology?

Cognitive reflection Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes the role of cultural factors in the development of emotions?

Social Constructivist Signup and view all the answers

How do emotions differ from moods based on their duration?

Emotions are more intense and short-lived. Signup and view all the answers

What role do emotions play in decision making?

They promote goal setting and purposeful behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example that aligns with the Darwinian / Evolutionary perspective on emotions?

Feeling fear when encountering a predator. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about arousals is correct?

They are primarily physiological responses to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of both emotions and affects?

Both involve a physiological response. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a defining feature of moods when compared to emotions?

Moods can last for several days. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences emotional experience according to Lazarus' Cognitive Appraisal Theory?

The subjective interpretation of events Signup and view all the answers

What does Frijda suggest about the relationship between emotions and action readiness?

Emotions trigger specific readiness states that are flexible and context-dependent. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cognitive appraisal, what does primary appraisal assess?

The significance of an event as a threat, challenge, or irrelevant Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects what secondary appraisal evaluates?

The implications of personal well-being in coping with an event Signup and view all the answers

According to the James-Lange Theory, what primarily causes the experience of emotions?

Perception of bodily changes resulting from stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

How can two individuals respond emotionally to the same event differently, according to Lazarus' theory?

By having different subjective interpretations and appraisals Signup and view all the answers

What is a physiological outcome of fear as discussed in the content?

Increased heart rate and heightened alertness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate outcome of an individual's primary appraisal in the context of emotional experience?

To determine whether the emotion is negative, positive, or irrelevant Signup and view all the answers

How does action readiness manifest according to Frijda's framework?

It can be expressed through both physical and mental states. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cognitive processing play in emotional readiness?

Cognitive processing influences how we perceive bodily changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes evaluating how to cope with a perceived emotional event?

Secondary appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What role do goals and motives play in cognitive appraisal according to Lazarus' theory?

They significantly affect how events are evaluated and emotions experienced. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emotions is associated with a readiness to engage?

Joy Signup and view all the answers

What does Frijda imply about anger in the context of action readiness?

Anger prepares individuals to confront or fight, but the action taken may change by context. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to experiencing fear or anxiety during a situation?

Pessimistic secondary appraisal Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best captures the essence of Lazarus' perspective on emotional experiences?

Emotions arise from the cognitive appraisal of situational significance. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of physiological perspective, what is a key statement about emotions?

Emotional experiences are tied to specific bodily changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which term would best describe the mental evaluation process that determines an emotional reaction?

Cognitive appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary mechanism behind the preparation of the mind during emotional states like anxiety?

Heightened alertness to potential threats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Affect

Affect is the experience of feelings
Three types: emotions, moods, and arousals

Emotions vs. Arousals

Arousal is a physiological response to stimuli
Example: increased heart rate/breathing rate when facing danger
Emotions are relatively focused and caused by specific events
Moods are less focused and more pervasive, caused by less clear triggers; they last for days

Emotions vs. Moods

Emotions are focused, with relatively clear causes
Moods are less focused and more pervasive
Emotions are short-lived and intense
Moods last for several days and are less intense
Examples include: feeling surprised (emotion), feeling blue (mood), and being in a good mood without understanding why

Components of Emotions

Subjective experience
Physiological response
Behavioral/expressive response

Functions of Emotions

Motivation: Happiness motivates engagement in behaviors
Decision-making: Goal-setting and rational behavior (e.g., choosing an iPhone over an Android)

4 Major Perspectives on Emotions

Darwinian/Evolutionary: Emotions serve survival values (e.g., fear of predators, disgust at rotten food)
Physiological: Importance of physiological arousal; examples like the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories
Cognitive: Importance of cognition and thinking in the generation of emotions; includes Schachter's Two-Factor Theory
Social Constructivist: Emotions are a cultural product; shaped by social interactions, cultural norms, and language

Ekman's List of Basic Emotions

Anger
Disgust
Fear
Happiness
Sadness
Surprise

Further Evidence of the Evolutionary Source of Emotions

Blind people have similar emotional expressions
People can distinguish subtle differences in emotional expressions easily

Display Rules

Emotional expressions are also governed by display rules learned within a culture
People appraise and evaluate the situation; for example, Japanese people are generally more reserved in their emotional expressions compared to other cultures

N.H. Frijda – The Law of Emotion

Emotions are action tendencies or states of action readiness that prepare an individual to respond to significant events in their environment
Action readiness = preparedness from emotional experiences
Emotions are viewed as adaptive responses that mobilize the individual for action (e.g., fight or flight)

Physiological Perspective: James-Lange Theory

Perceiving a stimulus causes autonomic arousal and bodily actions that lead to the experience of a specific emotion
Concerns the experience of emotions rather than their expressions

Physiological Perspective: Evidence?

PET reveals activity in the somatosensory cortex during emotional experiences
Emotions can be reproduced by engaging in corresponding postures or behaviors
Bodily changes involve variations in blood circulation

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Facial muscles send signals to the brain, helping the brain recognize the emotion being experienced
Example: Rating a comic as funnier when holding a pen in one's mouth

Physiological Perspective: Cannon-Bard Theory

Physiological changes associated with emotions are not distinguishable
Autonomic responses are too slow to be the source of emotions
Physiological responses occur simultaneously with emotional experiences

Cognitive Perspective: Schachter's Two-Factor Theory

The experience of emotion depends on autonomic arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal
When people experience physiological arousal, they engage in a process to identify the appropriate emotion, considering cues, context, and past experiences

Cognitive Perspective: Richard Lazarus' Cognitive Appraisal Theory

Cognitive appraisal is the process of assessing and interpreting a situation's significance in relation to one's personal well-being
Primary appraisal: assessment of an event; is it positive, negative, or irrelevant?
Secondary appraisal: evaluation of coping resources and options

Emotions are shaped by cultural, social, and interpersonal factors
Different cultures have varying rules for how emotions should be expressed
Emotions are learned through social interactions
Example: In some cultures anger is acceptable in public, while in others it is not.

The way people talk about emotions shapes how they experience and interpret them
Emotion words are different across languages and cultures; some languages have words which don't have direct translations in others
Affects emotional experiences and understanding

People express emotions according to their roles and social norms
Example: A teacher should express calmness and composure.
Different social role requires emotional expression (or hiding) that is in line to maintain the role

Emotions help sustain social relationships and maintain order
Emotions help communicate and respond appropriately (e.g., feeling and expressing guilt helps maintaining social harmony)

Different cultures have different emotional expectations
Examples of emotions varying across different cultures include: appropriate and inappropriate displays of emotions such as smiling and being polite

Which Perspective?

Darwinian
Physiological
Cognitive
Social Constructivist
Eclectic (using all perspectives)

Reflections

Are people being comforted by words like "don't be sad" beneficial
How do we deal with our emotions?
Should we avoid all negative emotions?
What implications do emotions bear?
How do we evaluate emotions considering society and culture?

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the nuances of affect in psychology, focusing on the distinctions between emotions, moods, and physiological arousals. This quiz will challenge your understanding of how these elements influence human behavior and decision-making, based on specific examples and components outlined in the chapter.