16 Questions
What is the primary idea behind the Discrete Emotions Theory?
Humans experience a small number of distinct emotions that combine in complex ways.
What is the role of the limbic system according to the Discrete Emotions Theory?
It precedes our thoughts about our emotions.
What are the seven primary emotions believed to be cross-culturally universal?
Happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, anger, and contempt
What is the difference in display rules between Western and Eastern societies?
Eastern societies show restraint in emotional expression, while Western societies do not.
What is the relationship between primary emotions and facial expressions?
Primary emotions might be associated with distinct facial expressions.
How do negative emotions affect heart rate according to the physiology of emotions?
Heart rate increases more with negative emotions.
What happens to the digestive system when we experience fear?
It slows down.
What is a challenge in distinguishing between positive and negative emotions using brain scans?
Happy and sad emotions look the same in brain scans.
What is the main difference between Duchenne and Pan Am smiles?
Duchenne smiles involve different muscles
What do Cognitive Theories of Emotion propose?
Emotions are products of thinking, rather than the other way around
According to the James-Lange theory, what leads to emotions?
Our interpretations of our bodily reactions to stimuli
What is the somatic marker theory?
We use our gut reactions to inform our actions
What is the facial feedback hypothesis?
Our facial expression influences our emotion
What is nonverbal leakage?
The unconscious spillover of emotions into nonverbal behavior
What is the study of personal space and distance?
Proxemics
What is the term for culture-specific gestures?
Emblems
Study Notes
Emotions and Theories
- Emotions are mental states or feelings associated with our evaluation of our experiences
- Discrete Emotions Theory proposes that humans experience a small number of distinct emotions, which combine in complex ways
- Emotions have biological roots, serve adaptive functions, and precede our thoughts about them
- Seven primary emotions are believed to be cross-culturally universal: happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, anger, and contempt
Primary Emotions and Facial Expressions
- Primary emotions might be associated with distinct facial expressions
- Facial expressions can be used to distinguish between genuine and fake emotions
- Duchenne (real, involuntary) smiles involve different muscles than Pan Am (fake, voluntary) smiles
Physiology and Emotion
- Primary emotions might be distinguished by their physiological elements
- Heart rate increases more with negative emotions
- Digestive system slows down with fear
- Multiple brain regions are active in all emotions
Cognitive Theories of Emotion
- Cognitive theories propose that emotions are products of thinking, rather than the other way around
- James-Lange theory: emotions result from our interpretations of our bodily reactions to stimuli
- Cannon-Bard theory: an emotion-provoking event leads simultaneously to an emotional and bodily reaction
- Damasio's somatic marker theory: we use our "gut reactions" to inform our actions (limited support)
Emotional Reactions and Expression
- Many emotional reactions may be generated automatically
- Subliminal exposure to positive or negative cues influences moods
- Facial feedback hypothesis: blood vessels in the face feed back information to the brain, altering our experience of emotions
- Nonverbal expression: facial expressions, gestures, postures, and nonverbal leakage
- Proxemics: the study of personal space, with four levels of distance: public, social, personal, and intimate
Explore the theories of human emotions, including the Discrete Emotions Theory, and how they relate to our biological and adaptive functions.
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