Richard and Robert are watching a film on public television. The film is of the amputation of an arm. The film evoked interest in Richard and disgust in Robert because each boy attached different meaning to the film. Richard, who is studying to become a doctor, interpreted the film in a clinical, detached way. The sight of blood, on the other hand, sickened Robert. Each boy had a different __________ of the film.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in reactions between Richard and Robert can be attributed to their cognitive appraisal of the film. Cognitive appraisal refers to the personal interpretation of a situation that ultimately influences the emotional reaction to that situation. Richard's clinical and detached view as a medical student versus Robert's sickened response due to the sight of blood demonstrates how their individual interpretations (cognitive appraisals) of the film led to their distinct emotional responses.

Richard and Robert Are Watching a Film on Public Television