Cognition and emotion basics: emotion models (G19)

Question 1

What is the overlapping factor between anxiety and depression, as discussed in the Three factor model by Clark & Watson 1991?

a. Low positive affect
b. Negative affect
c. Feelings of guilt

Answer 1

b. Negative affect

Question 2

How does the Schachter-Singer Two factor model (1962) and their Bridge experiment explain the role of appraisal in emotions?

Answer 2

According to the model, emotions depends on your bodily reactions to a certain event, and on the interpretation of the bodily reaction or a cognitive label you give to the bodily response. These factors are tested in the Bridge experiment, where it was found that people who were more aroused due to being in a riskier environment, and who met women in the environment, were more inclined to call to set up a date after the experiment. Which indicates that arousal was experienced while talking to a female, therefore they misinterpreted the arousal for the female.

Question 3

The networks involved in Lang's 3 system theory include the: stimulus network, meaning network, and \_\_\_ network.
(Fill in the blank)
a. Response
b. Schematic
c. Appraisal

Answer 3

a. Response

Question 4

Describe the 2 main groups of cognitive theories about emotion and name one theory for each group.

Answer 4

1. Network theories: emotions are systems of causally connected concepts. One example is Bower’s associative network theory
2. Appraisal theories: emotions involve not only physiological responses but also a cognitive interpretation. One example is Schacter-Singer’s 2 factor model.

Question 5

what did Bower’s experiment on network theory uncover?

a. the mood one is in affects which memories are recalled
b. those in a happy mood only remember pleasant events and those in a sad mood only remember sad events
c. there seems to be mood-state-dependent memory

Answer 5

c. there seems to be mood-state-dependent memory

Question 6

Describe Lang’s 3-system theory, outlining what each of the three networks within this framework correspond to and the ways in which emotion are expressed according to Lang.
Then briefly explain an important criticism of Lang’s theory.

Answer 6

A network theory proposing 3 different networks, namely the; stimulus network, meaning network and response network. The stimulus network is concerned with what is happening in the internal or external environment. The meaning network is concerned with assigning meaning to the stimuli. The response network is concerned with response to stimuli and the assigned meaning. Emotions aren’t a single emotion state but expressed in 3 different systems: verbal, behaviour and physiology. An important criticism is that Lang claims there to be no single emotional state while there are actually distinct internal emotional states.