Midterm Prep 1-15 Flashcards
How did experimental psychology initially regard emotions?
They were silent on emotions.
What were Darwin’s contributions to emotions?
He believed that emotions were vestigal (useless) and that they reflected the primitive ancestry of humans. He was also a Victorian who believed that emotions should be suppressed. He tied them to bodily states.
According to James, what is the line sequence from seeing a bear, feeling fear and running?
I see a bear > I run > I feel fear
Event > bodily response > emotion
What were Freud’s contributions to emotions?
Like Darwin, he tied emotions to bodily states. He discovered with the case of Katherina that emotions reveal underlying, unconscious thoughts and perceptions. They precede conscious awareness of important facts. Humans defend themselves against emotionally disturbing facts. Conflicts lead to psychological and physical ailments. Putting emotions into language advances coping.
What philosopher thought that emotions were tied to narratives?
Aristotle believed that emotions were tied to narratives.
According to Descartes, were emotions and thinking connected or separate?
He believed that emotions tells us how events affect our thinking selves.
What roles did Jefferson assign to emotions and thinking? Which was in charge of morals?
Emotions were represented by his heart, while thinking was represented by his head. His head was in charge of morals, his reasoning.
What are the basic emotions?
The basic emotions are happiness, anger, sadness, fear, disgust, and surprise.
Is there evidence that emotions are universal? Who did research addressing this question? Where did he go to get the best evidence, and why?
Yes, there is evidence that emotions are universal because Paul Ekman conducted research on a preliterate culture of the South Fore People of New Guinea. This is because literate cultures share media and get a common understanding of emotions. The first test did not go well, however, in the last two tests, the South Fore People performed as well as Americans when picking the correct emotion from a given picture.
Who did Jane Goodall study, showing that emotions are biologically inherited?
Jane Goodall studied chimp society as they share a common ancestor with humans.
What are “constraints” that affect how and when emotions are shown in different cultures?
Constraints are like display rules of different cultures. Some emotions and emotional expressions are favored, while others are not.
In Victorian Era England, which class was the most emotionally restrictive? Why?
The Middle Class was the most emotionally restrictive as the social ladder is new and it is important to show refinement. They valued their reputation.
How did attitudes towards emotions change from the Enlightenment era to the age of Romanticism?
The Enlightenment (others) focused on reason and science as the industrial revolution began and humans had “command” over nature. In the age of Romanticism (self), emotions were seen as a source of creativity, inspiration, and connection to the natural world.
How do beliefs about honor affect displays of emotion in the US North vs. US South?
The North did not primarily value honor and usually laughed off or ignored an insult as insults said something about the insult-er. In the South, honor is a prominent value and insult says something about yourself as an individual.
Cohen and Nisbett found that after being insulted, Southern males different from Northern males in what ways?
Northerners were found to have a low reactions when insulted unlike Southerners, who had a strong reaction.
What is the cultural back story as to why herding cultures might be more violent than agricultural cultures?
Herders’ livelihood is more easily stolen and they must project toughness as to not lose them.
What did Cohen and Nisbett find when sending fake job applications to motorcycle repair shops in the North vs. the South?
They found that both the North and South would rarely hire an applicant with a thief criminal history. But if they had a history of being a revenging husband, the South is more likely to hire the man than the North.
After being bumped and called a bad word by a stranger, Northern and Southern Subjects then encountered a large hulking stranger walking towards them. Who waited the longest to get out of the stranger’s way, and why?
Southern subjects waited the longest to get out of the stranger’s way because they expressed anger after being insulted before. Northerners were amused.
What are display rules and how do these differ in US vs. Japan?
Display rules are a culture’s decided set of norms that rule how people should express themselves. The US is a wide, spacious nation, settled by rebels and people willing to break ties, valuing independence, individualization, and innovation. Japan is a small island, established 1000 years ago with little immigration, who value authority, the collective, and tradition.
For example, anger in Japan is okay between groups, not within the group. In the US, it’s okay to show anger to close others.
Why do the people of Ifaluk favor cooperative emotions?
The island they live on is 1/5th of Central Park, therefore there is nowhere to go and typhoons can wipe out entire structures. They have no choice but to cooperate to survive.
What are the different categories of affect?
Preferences, moods, emotions, feelings.
How do emotions relate to actions?
They impact the choices we make in response to an external stimulus. For example, in response to you betraying someone, you may feel guilt, so you make amends or restore bonds with that person Or if something is threatening your live, you fear fear, so you will protect yourself by running away.
What is the difference between “emblems”, “illustrators”, “affect displays”, “regulators”, and “adaptors”?
- Emblems - thrust fist, extended middle finger, thumbs up
- Illustrators - accent/emphasis in voice, hand waving, clenched fist
- Affect displays - smiling, frowning
- Regulators - nods, eyebrow movement
- Adaptors - self touching/grooming
What is the “Appraisal Theory” of emotions? How does it relate to whether thinking or feeling comes first?
The Appraisal Theory of emotions is basically when an event happens, you evaluate the event and you feel that (pos/neg) emotion. Thinking comes first because you appraise whether or not the event advances or impedes your goals.
How do goals, appraisals, and emotions interact?
. You are alone at a party.
Nice looking person looks your
way and smiles.
Appraisal - Recognition of an event as significant? YES
Goal - Does event relate to goal? YES
Goal (in)/congruence - Does event advance of impede goals? ADVANCE
Ego Involvement - How does event affect one’s sense of self? AFFIRM
Emotion - HAPPY
In “The Dain Curse” excerpt, what does the detective do to change the distressed client’s sad state? How does this relate to appraisal theory?
In “The Dain Curse,” the detective listens empathetically to the distressed client, validating her feelings and providing a sense of support that helps her feel less isolated in her struggle. This engagement relates to appraisal theory, as it influences her emotional state by reframing her experience, fostering hope and resilience in the face of her confusion and despair.
According to Schacter and Singer, what two psychological events must occur to produce an emotion?
Emotions only occur if the body is aroused and the reason for arousal is located.
What role did receiving epinephrine vs a placebo, and being told what to expect about these substances effects, have on the Schacter and Singer experiment?
In the Schachter and Singer experiment, participants who received epinephrine experienced increased arousal, but their emotional responses varied significantly based on whether they were informed about the drug’s effects; those misinformed or uninformed attributed their feelings to the surrounding context, highlighting the interplay between physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal in shaping emotions. Conversely, those given a placebo generally did not experience heightened arousal, illustrating the distinction between the two conditions in emotional interpretation.
According to the Schacter and Singer theory, what emotion should a person experience if given a stimulant but not provided an explanation for why they were aroused? What emotion actually occurred under these circumstances?
According to the Schachter and Singer theory, if a person is given a stimulant like epinephrine without an explanation for their arousal, they should experience heightened emotional responses based on their environment. In the experiment, many participants misattributed their physiological arousal to the context, leading them to feel emotions such as happiness or anger, depending on the situation they were in.
According to Storms and Nisbett (1970), what will best help an insomniac fall asleep: a placebo that supposedly will help them relax or a placebo that supposedly will make them aroused? Why would this outcome occur?
An insomniac would fall asleep more easily with a placebo that is said to help them relax rather than one that is described as making them aroused. This outcome occurs because the belief in the relaxing effects of the placebo can reduce anxiety and enhance the expectation of sleep, effectively counteracting the arousal that often contributes to insomnia.
What was the Zajonc Mere Exposure study, and how does it relate to the question of which comes first, thoughts or feelings?
The Zajonc Mere Exposure study demonstrated that people tend to develop a preference for stimuli simply due to repeated exposure, even without conscious awareness or explicit thoughts about the stimuli. This research suggests that feelings can occur independently of cognitive processing, supporting the idea that emotions can arise before or without preceding thoughts.
According to Moreland and Beach, 1992, how does mere exposure affect attitudes toward other people?
Mere exposure increases liking and positive attitudes toward other people, as individuals tend to prefer those they encounter more frequently, even without direct interaction. This effect highlights how familiarity can enhance perceived attractiveness and likability.
James believed that emotions were, literally, physical feelings. How might this relate to the emotional lives of people who have suffered partial paralysis?
James believed that emotions are closely tied to physical sensations; this suggests that individuals with partial paralysis might experience diminished emotional responses due to reduced bodily feedback, potentially impacting their ability to fully feel or express emotions.
How does biting down on a pencil, like a horse biting on a bit, relate to Zajonc’s facial feedback theory of emotions?
Biting down on a pencil can mimic the facial expressions associated with smiling, which, according to Zajonc’s facial feedback theory, can enhance feelings of happiness. This suggests that physical expressions can influence emotional experiences, even when the expressions are not intentional.
If a person is sincere, they display a Duchene smile. What is the key element of a Duchene smile?
The key element to a Duchene smile is the involvement of the eye muscles, which creates genuine, crinkling eye expression along with the upward movement of the mouth.
What is discrepancy theory of emotion?
Discrepancy theory of emotion suggests that emotional responses arise from the gap between expected outcomes and actual experiences.
A mother goes “flat face” showing no emotion to her baby. What affect does this have on the baby? What does this say about the role of emotions in development?
When a mother displays a “flat face” with no emotion, it can lead to confusion and distress in the baby, as infants rely on emotional cues for bonding and communication. This highlights the critical role of emotional expressions in early development, as they are essential for forming secure attachments and facilitating social and emotional growth.
Rene Spitz visited foundling homes (orphanages). What was his main insight?
Rene Spitz’s main insight from his visits to foundling homes was that children deprived of emotional care and social interaction suffered severe emotional and developmental delays, even if their physical needs were met. He highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships for healthy psychological and emotional development in infants.
Caroll Izard argues that emotions are our first language. What evidence does he have?
- Universal facial expressions
- Early development - emotions are infants’ primary mode of communication before language
- People mimic emotions
- Emotions linked to survival and adaptation
- Emotions influence decision-making and social interactions
According to Kagan, is shyness inborn or learned? How might this answer help in child rearing?
Jerome Kagan argues that shyness has an innate component, suggesting it is partly inborn due to biological factors like temperament. However, environmental influences also play a significant role in its development.
In child-rearing, this understanding can guide parents to provide supportive environments that nurture social skills while respecting a child’s natural disposition, helping them navigate social situations without pressure to conform to extroverted norms.
What was done to little kids to show when and how self-relevant emotions (e.g., embarrassment) occurs?
Researchers, including Kagan, often used tasks like the “mirror test” to assess self-relevant emotions in young children. In this test, a mark is placed on a child’s face without their knowledge, and they are then shown a mirror. Children who demonstrate embarrassment or attempt to remove the mark indicate an awareness of themselves as separate entities, showing that self-relevant emotions like embarrassment emerge around age 15 to 18 months.
What is the “visual cliff”; what role does emotional signaling play in toddlers’ willingness to cross it?
The “visual cliff” is a psychological experiment designed to assess depth perception in infants and toddlers. It consists of a glass surface that creates the illusion of a steep drop. Emotional signaling plays a crucial role; toddlers are more likely to cross the “cliff” when their caregivers exhibit positive emotional cues (like encouragement and smiles). Conversely, fearful or negative cues can discourage them from crossing, highlighting the importance of social and emotional guidance in their decision-making.
Anne Fernald studied “Infant-Directed Speech”. What is role of tonality in infant directed speech? How similar or different is it across cultures?
Anne Fernald studied “Infant-Directed Speech” (IDS), which is characterized by a higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, and melodic tone. Tonality plays a crucial role in capturing infants’ attention and conveying emotional cues, making it easier for them to engage and learn language.
While IDS is universally recognized and similar in its expressive qualities across cultures, specific tonal patterns and styles can vary. For instance, some cultures may emphasize different pitch ranges or rhythms, but the overall function of IDS—facilitating bonding and communication—remains consistent worldwide.
What is Affect Attunement and how does it relate to early parent/infant bonds?
Affect attunement refers to the process by which parents and infants synchronize their emotional expressions and responses. This mutual emotional exchange helps establish a strong bond, as caregivers respond sensitively to an infant’s cues, fostering feelings of safety and connection.
In early parent-infant bonds, affect attunement supports emotional development and social skills, enabling infants to learn about their own emotions and those of others. This attunement lays the foundation for secure attachment and healthy relational patterns later in life.
What is the main function of attunement?
The main function of attunement is to foster emotional connection and understanding between individuals, particularly between parents and infants. It helps ensure that caregivers respond appropriately to a child’s emotional cues, promoting feelings of safety, security, and attachment, which are essential for healthy emotional and social development.
How does attunement relate to a child’s developing a sense of self?
Attunement is crucial for a child’s developing sense of self as it provides validation and recognition of their emotions. When caregivers respond sensitively to a child’s feelings, it helps the child understand their own emotional experiences, fostering self-awareness and identity. This responsive interaction builds a foundation for healthy self-concept and interpersonal skills as the child learns to navigate their own emotions and relationships.
What is a better demonstration of attunement, mirroring or cross modal?
Cross-modal attunement is generally considered a better demonstration of attunement because it involves responding to a child’s emotional cues through different sensory modalities, such as vocal tone or touch, rather than simply mirroring their behavior. This broader response indicates a deeper understanding of the child’s needs and emotions, enhancing emotional connection and communication.
According to Daniel Stern, what are four critical elements of a sense of self?
- Emergent self - awareness of one’s own experiences and feelings in infancy
- Core Self - development of stable sense of identity based on interaction with caregivers
- Extended self - ability to recall past experiences and anticipate future ones
- Interpersonal self - recognition of oneself in relation to others
What is point of repetition and variation in baby games?
In baby games, the point of repetition and variation refers to the balance between repeating familiar actions and introducing slight changes. Repetition provides a sense of security and predictability, allowing infants to learn and anticipate responses. Variation adds novelty, stimulating curiosity and engagement. This dynamic helps babies explore emotions, develop cognitive skills, and strengthen bonds with caregivers through interactive play.
D.W. Winnicott observed “paradoxes of development”. What were these?
D.W. Winnicott identified “paradoxes of development” as the idea that certain contradictory experiences are essential for healthy emotional growth.
* Independence v. Dependence
* Playing v. Reality
* Holding v. Letting Go
Winnicott thought some people do not become persons. What did he mean?
Winnicott believed that some individuals do not fully develop a sense of self or become “persons” due to inadequate emotional nurturing during childhood. He argued that if a child lacks a supportive environment that allows for genuine experiences of play and self-expression, they may remain stuck in a false self or an inauthentic identity, unable to fully engage with their emotions and relationships. This lack of development can lead to difficulties in forming a cohesive self and authentic connections with others.
Did Winnicott believe that mothers should never show anger and be perfect all the time?
No, Winnicott did not believe that mothers should never show anger or strive for perfection. He recognized that authentic emotional expression, including anger, is a natural part of being human. Instead of expecting perfection, he emphasized the importance of a “good enough” mother—one who provides a nurturing environment while also being authentic, allowing for imperfections. This approach helps children understand and navigate a range of emotions, fostering healthy emotional development.
