Psychology: Theories of Emotion

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What do the two dimensions of emotion primarily consist of?

Emotion-relevant behaviors and subjective experiences

Physiological fingerprint and action tendencies

Valence and arousal (correct)

Cognitive appraisal and physiological response

According to the James-Lange theory, emotions arise from which of the following?

The environment's influence on arousal levels

The simultaneous occurrence of physiological arousal and emotion

Unconscious evaluations of emotional stimuli

The perception of physiological responses to stimuli (correct)

What is a key argument made by Cannon and Bard against the James-Lange theory?

Some emotional experiences occur before physiological responses (correct)

Emotions are both delayed and caused by physiological responses

Physiological responses operate independently of emotions

Every emotion correlates with a unique physiological fingerprint

The two-factor theory of emotion suggests that arousal is interpreted in different ways depending on what?

Cognitive appraisals of arousal context Signup and view all the answers

Which system of the nervous system is primarily responsible for physiological arousal?

Sympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How does task difficulty affect the optimal level of arousal for performance?

Lower arousal is required for complex tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that emotional experiences and bodily responses occur simultaneously but independently?

Cannon-Bard theory Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the two-factor theory has been both supported and contradicted by modern research?

The interpretation of a general state of arousal Signup and view all the answers

What would the James-Lange theory imply about the relationship between emotions and physiological responses?

Emotions are caused by physiological responses Signup and view all the answers

What does the drive-reduction theory propose about motivation?

Individuals seek to fulfill physiological drives to achieve equilibrium. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes self-actualization in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

The achievement of one's full potential and personal growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of the polygraph as a lie detection tool?

Physiological responses can be due to emotions other than deception. Signup and view all the answers

What does terror management theory suggest people do to cope with the fear of death?

Uphold cultural beliefs and boost self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the facial feedback effect hypothesis?

Facial expressions can alter emotional experiences positively or negatively. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the lateral and ventromedial hypothalamus play in hunger regulation?

They help regulate hunger signals by turning hunger on or off. Signup and view all the answers

Which motivation type refers to seeking positive outcomes and rewards?

Approach motivation Signup and view all the answers

Why might extrinsic motivation sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation?

It reduces the sense of autonomy in an activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can influence hunger based on psychological aspects?

Stress and emotional states Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are primarily involved in regulating sexual motivation?

Testosterone and estrogen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emotion

Emotion is a temporary state involving subjective experiences, physiological activity, and action tendencies.
Two dimensions of emotion:
- Valence: positivity of the feeling
- Arousal: energy level of the feeling

Theories of Emotion

James-Lange Theory: Emotions arise from the perception of physiological responses to a stimulus (feeling is a consequence, not a cause).
Cannon-Bard Theory: Emotions and bodily arousal occur simultaneously and independently. Some emotional responses precede physiological reactions. Stimuli can cause bodily responses without necessarily creating an emotion.
Two-Factor (Schachter-Singer) Theory: Stimuli trigger general physiological arousal, which is then interpreted as a specific emotion based on context (one physiological response can be interpreted differently based on situation).

Modern Research on Emotion

Modern research partially supports aspects of the two-factor theory but contradicts other aspects.

Arousal and Performance

Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the body's "fight-or-flight" response, responsible for arousal.
Yerkes-Dodson Law: Performance is optimal at a moderate level of arousal.
- Simple tasks: High arousal can boost performance.
- Complex tasks: Low arousal is better for focus and avoiding stress.

Polygraph

A device measuring physiological responses believed to indicate lying.
Measures heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity (sweating).
Unreliable: Physiological responses can be caused by anxiety, not just deception.

Emotional Expression

Emotional expression: Observable signs of emotion (facial expressions, tone, body language).
Most powerful nonverbal means of conveying emotion: facial expressions (over 10,000 unique expressions).
Display Rules: Social and cultural norms dictating how, when, and where emotions should be expressed.
- Examples: Some cultures encourage public smiling, others discourage it in specific contexts.
Facial Feedback Effect: Hypothesis that facial expressions directly influence emotional experience.
- Example: Smiling can make you feel happier.

Motivation

Motivation: Internal causes of purposeful behavior, driving needs and desires (e.g., hunger, social connection).
Instinct: Natural tendency to seek a goal, hard-wired.
Approach Motivation: Drive toward positive outcomes (rewards).
Avoidance Motivation: Drive to avoid negative outcomes, often stronger than approach motivation.
Drive-Reduction Theory: Organisms motivated to reduce internal drives (like hunger, thirst) to maintain equilibrium.
Hedonic Principle: People seek pleasure and avoid pain.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Prioritizes needs based on basic to complex requirements.
Physiological needs > Safety needs > Social needs > Esteem needs > Self-actualization needs. Self-actualization is achieving one’s full potential—personal growth, creativity, and fulfilling purpose.

Hunger

Hunger driven by body’s energy needs.
Hypothalamus: Plays a key role in regulating hunger.
- Lateral hypothalamus: Signals to turn hunger "on."
- Ventromedial hypothalamus: Signals to turn hunger "off."
Hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (satiety) also influence hunger.
Psychological factors (stress, emotions), and cultural factors (food preferences, traditions) affect hunger.

Eating Disorders and Obesity

Eating Disorders:
- Binge-eating disorder (BED): Uncontrolled eating episodes.
- Bulimia nervosa: Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging).
- Anorexia nervosa: Severe restriction of food.
Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher; associated with health risks and social stigma.

Sexual Motivation

Hormones (testosterone, estrogen) key drivers of sexual motivation.

Achievement Motivation

Drive to excel, achieve goals, and overcome challenges.

Motivation Types

Intrinsic Motivation: Internal rewards (satisfaction, enjoyment).
Extrinsic Motivation: External rewards (money, recognition).
Extrinsic rewards can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation.

Terror Management Theory

People are motivated to manage the fear of death by upholding cultural beliefs and pursuing self-esteem.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intriguing world of emotions through this quiz on major theories, including the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories. Understand the dimensions of emotions like valence and arousal alongside modern research insights. Test your knowledge on how emotions and physiological responses interact!