LECTURE 3 Flashcards
Discuss basic emotion theory
Basic emotion theory suggests that there are a small number of universal, biologically-based emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust. These emotions have distinct characteristics, serve adaptive functions, and are recognized across cultures.
Discuss the dual route model (Ledoux) and its clinical evidence.
Ledoux’s dual route model proposes that emotional processing involves two pathways: a fast, direct route (low road) from visual thalamus through the amygdala for rapid, unconscious emotional reactions, and a slower, indirect route (high road) through cortical regions for conscious appraisal and regulation of emotions. This model highlights the interplay between automatic and controlled processes in emotional responses.
Clinical evidence supports this model, as studies have shown that individuals with certain neurological conditions (Urbach-Wiethe disease) may exhibit intact automatic emotional responses (low road) despite impaired conscious emotional experiences (high road). This highlights the separate functioning of these two routes in emotional processing.
Discuss affective blindsight and its neural basis in cortical blindness.
Affective blindsight refers to the unconscious awareness of emotional stimuli in individuals with cortical blindness, where visual processing is disrupted in the primary visual cortex. The neural basis involves intact subcortical pathways, particularly the amygdala, pulvinar and superior colliculus, which can process emotional information independently of conscious perception. Functional imaging studies have shown amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli despite the absence of visual awareness. Affective blindsight highlights the dissociation between visual perception and emotional processing in the brain.
Discuss psychological construction theory of emotions.
Psychological construction theory of emotions suggests that emotions are not fixed, pre-determined experiences but are instead dynamically constructed based on an individual’s subjective interpretation of their bodily sensations, situational context, and cultural influences. According to this theory, emotions are not universal or biologically hardwired but rather emerge through the integration of various cognitive and perceptual processes. It emphasizes the active role of individuals in constructing their emotional experiences based on their personal meaning and understanding of the situation. This theory highlights the complexity and variability of emotions across individuals and cultures.
Discuss the emotional characteristics of the human amygdala.
The amygdala is involved in many different emotions like anger, fear, happy, sad but the biggest response of the amygdala happens whit disgust. So there is no evidence for the amygdala being the fear center of the brain.
Discuss the findings from cross-categorical emotions studies against the background of BET and PCT.
Cross-categorical emotions studies challenge the notion of discrete and universally recognized basic emotions proposed by Basic Emotion Theory (BET). These studies demonstrate that emotions can be complex, blending or overlapping different emotional categories. This aligns with Psychological Construction Theory (PCT), which suggests that emotions are constructed based on cognitive, cultural, and situational factors. Cross-categorical studies highlight the variability of emotions across cultures and contexts, and the influence of individual interpretation and meaning-making processes. They emphasize the dynamic and flexible nature of emotions, supporting the core principles of PCT over the rigid boundaries of BET.
