Theories of Emotion and PA

Question 1

Describe the James-Lange theory

Answer 1

Our conscious experience of emotions is influenced by our perception of autonomic arousal (only when you see yourself aroused will you feel the emotion)

Question 2

What does the James-Lange theory have to say about different emotional expereinces?

Answer 2

Different autonomic response patterns result in different emotions

Question 3

What critiques did Cannon and Bard have of James-Lange?

Answer 3

Flaws: autonomic arousal occurs w/o emotion (exercise)

- Fear, Joy anger, produced by near identical patterns

Question 4

Describe the Cannon-Bard theory

Answer 4

We consciously experience emotions because thalamus sends simultaneous signals to cortex (consciousness) and autonomic system (reaction)

Question 5

Explain Schachter’s Two-Factor theory

Answer 5

In addition to CB, we consciously look at situational cues to determine what emotion we’re feeling. Two factors:

1. autonomic arousal
2. cognitive interpretation of that arousal

Question 6

Give an example of two-factor theory in action

Answer 6

If I’m aroused, and you’re annoying, I must be angry.

Question 7

What was the bridge experiment and how did it relate to TF theory?

Answer 7

Men hailed by a women over two bridged: one perilous and the other calm. More men asked out the women on the perilous bridge because they felt arousal (from height) and interpreted it as attraction.

Question 8

What are some flaws with TF theory?

Answer 8

People don’t just look at immediate surroundings, also memory. See a snake behind glass, won’t be too alarmed because we know the cues.

Question 9

Can you EVER guess what the evolutionary theory of emotion is?

Answer 9

Emotions have (drum roll) adaptive value. Mostly innate reactions to stimuli. Thought/cognition plays small role

Question 10

Why do evolutionary theorists think emotions evolved first?

Answer 10

Subcortical structures are older and evolved first. Some are very fine tuned to specific emotions

Question 11

How many emotions are fundamental and have strong adaptive value?

Answer 11

8-10 (including 6 “universal” ones)

Question 12

How do evolutionary theorists reconcile mixed emotions?

Answer 12

Two ways:

1. literal blend of primary emotions
2. varying intensity

Question 13

Describe Plutchik’s model

Answer 13

Half-egg shape where emotions move in intensity on a vertical scale (and are relabbeled as different ones at each stage)
-ex: Rage ->anger ->annoyance (higher=more intense)

Question 14

What is subjective well-being?

Answer 14

How we perceive ourselves in terms of overall happiness?

Question 15

What is the trend of overall happiness?

Answer 15

Not as universally sad as one might think. Most people hover around a baseline

Question 16

What are the four factors that DON’T contribute to happiness

Answer 16

1. Money: weaker in affluent countries where needs met
2. Age: priorities shift but other than that…
3. Parenthood: ups and downs balance out
4. Intelligence/attractiveness: no correlation

Question 17

Why is money not a great source of happiness (in affluent countries). Where is money best spent?

Answer 17

Always comparing yourself to others. Consumer culture always makes you feel like you don’t have enough. Better spent on experiences

Question 18

What are the three moderate predictors of happiness?

Answer 18

1. Health: disabled people are still happy mostly
2. Social activity: people 50+ with more friends were happier
3. Religion: purpose, sense of calm/order

Question 19

What are two strong predictors of happiness, why?

Answer 19

Romance satisfaction: married people are usually happier (despite bickering)
Work: unemployment has bad impacts. Also, happier you are outside of work, happier you’ll be in it generally

Question 20

What is the biggest source of happiness?

Answer 20

Genetics/personality: 50% of predisposition for happiness comes from genes. Extroverted people are generally happier

Question 21

What are the three conclusions about subjective well-being?

Answer 21

1. Determinants of happiness are subjective
2. Happiness (and other emotions) are relative
3. People adapt to circumstances (baseline happiness)

Question 22

What is the hedonic treadmill/adaptation?

Answer 22

When people adjust to worse or better circumstances (going back to baseline)
Adaptation: good, worse circumstances
Treadmill: bad. Better circumstances but no greater happiness