Tutorial 06

Question 1

James-Lange theory

Answer 1

Emotions are the interpretation of physiological responses triggered by external stimuli
The physical change will be felt first, and then the brain “understands” that it is a specific feeling (e.g. the emotion of fear).

Question 2

Cannon-bard theory

Answer 2

Cannon-Bard theory as an argumentative critique to the James-Lange theory
Physiological changes and experience of emotion occur at the same time.

Question 3

What do emotions represent?

Answer 3

Emotions represent short, transient episodes (phenomena) and a neurophysiological response to stimuli that evoke a system of components which prepare the organism to respond, together determining the organism’s behavior.

Question 4

Autonomous, visceral phenomena

Answer 4

Governed by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
include changes in cardiovascular activity, muscle tension, sweating, pallor/redness of facial skin

Question 5

Somatic, skeletal-motor interactions

Answer 5

Expressed through “body language” such as posture and movement (“fight or
flight”) and represent nonverbal communication.

Question 6

Personal experience or subjective feeling of emotions

Answer 6

Internal, short-term responses to interoceptive signals, influencing orientation
Emotions like shame, anger, fear, sadness, jealousy, contempt are often concealed.

Question 7

Feelings

Answer 7

(Raw data)

Feelings are the mental experiences of body states, including
physiological reactions like hunger, thirst, and pain.

Question 8

Emotions

Answer 8

(Subjective feelings)

Emotions are complex psychological states that involve subjective experiences, physiological responses, and expressive behaviors. Our thoughts, memories, and experiences shape them and tend to be longer-lasting than feelings.
Fundamental dimensions of emotion: arousal and valence (hedonic tone)

Question 9

Brain regions affected by addiction

Answer 9

Prefrontal cortex: decision-making, impulse control
Basal ganglia: reward & motivation, forming habits and behavior
Extended amygdala: stress & anxiety, fight or flight response

Question 10

Where in the brain do we choose to try a drug?

Answer 10

Intention/decision is the executive portion of the brain, the prefrontal cortex

Question 11

Which brain regions are active when consuming a drug?

Answer 11

Consumption of the drug : delivers a powerful stimulus to the nucleus accumbens, a cluster of nerve cells below the cerebral cortex, which responds quickly by releasing a flood of dopamine.

Question 12

Which brain regions are primary sites where drugs of abuse interact with the processing of neural signals related to emotional reinforcement?

Answer 12

The nucleus accumbens and VTA ventral tegmental area

Question 13

How is the Release of natural dopamine?

Answer 13

phasic, also subject to experience-dependent
plasticity

Question 14

An Incentive-Sensitization Theory of Addiction” by Richard J. Robinson and Kent C. Berridge

Answer 14

proposes that addiction is driven by an enhanced wanting (craving) for drugs, rather than the liking (pleasure) of the drug itself.

Question 15

incentive-sensitization of addiction

Answer 15

The theory suggests that repeated drug use sensitizes the brain’s reward system, particularly the dopamine system, making individuals more sensitive to drug-related cues, which increases craving and drug-seeking behavior.
This incentive-sensitization leads to a shift in the brain, where cues associated with the drug become more compelling, contributing to relapse.

Question 16

Joseph LeDoux’s Theory

Answer 16

Fast and slow pathways

Question 17

Fast pathway

Answer 17

X-system (reflexive)
“low road” a quick, reflexive response for immediate survival
Stimulus -> thalamus -> amygdala -> external response

Question 18

Slow pathway

Answer 18

C-system (reflective)
„High road“
A slower, more evaluative response to thoughtful decision-making

Stimulus -> thalamus -> frontal cortex -> amygdala -> external response

Question 19

Purpose and advantage of fast pathway

Answer 19

Purpose: Rapid, automatic emotional response to potential threats
Example: Jumping at a sudden sound before realizing it’s harmless
Advantage: Quick survival mechanism
Primes the body for immediate action

Question 20

Dysregulation/overactive fast pathway can lead to …

Answer 20

PTSD/anxiety disorders

Question 21

Purpose/advantage of slow pathway

Answer 21

Purpose: Detailed evaluation of the emotional stimulus
Example: Realizing the “snake” is actually a stick
Advantage: Enables nuanced and reasoned responses
Refines the response to prevent overreaction

Question 22

Neurochemical basis of love

Answer 22

Oxytocin, dopamine, vasopressin

Question 23

Oxytocin

Answer 23

“bonding hormone” or “love hormone” promotes trust, empathy, and social bonding.
Released during physical touch, childbirth, and intimate moments.
Enhances feelings of attachment and connection, especially in long-term relationships.

Question 24

Dopamine

Answer 24

brain’s reward system, dopamine fuels feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Associated with the euphoria of romantic attraction.
Peaks during the early stages of love, creating feelings of excitement and infatuation.

Question 25

Vasopressin

Answer 25

critical role in long-term pair bonding and monogamy.
Linked to loyalty and protective behaviors in relationships

Question 26

Reward system – love

Answer 26

Romantic love activates regions involved in reward and pleasure, such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens

Question 27

Amygdala suppression – love

Answer 27

Love can reduce activity in the amygdala, dampening fear and anxiety, which supports trust and vulnerability.

Question 28

Prefrontal cortex – love

Answer 28

In early romantic love, the PFC, responsible for rational thinking, may be less active, leading to impulsive decisions and idealized perceptions of a partner

Question 29

Angular gyrus – love

Answer 29

Part of the brain associated with complex language functions and the mirror neuron system, this region helps you anticipate the actions of a loved one

Question 30

Psychopathy

Answer 30

Differences to healthy controls in cingulate cortex, insula, frontal cortex and amygdala