Question 1

Lashley (1938) stated that the thalamus would have to be pretty sophisticated to make sense of all the possible emotions and relay them to the proper areas of the cortex and body. Which theory of emotion was Lashley criticizing?

Accepted Answer

Lashley was criticizing the Cannon-Bard theory, which suggests that emotional experiences involve the simultaneous activation of both the thalamus (for the emotional experience) and the autonomic nervous system (for the bodily response), without one causing the other.

Question 2

The frequent finding that asthmatics often experience shortness of breath concurrently with tremendous anxiety is an example of how emotions and physiological symptoms often occur simultaneously. As such, it supports which of the following theories of emotion?

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that emotions and physiological responses happen simultaneously and independently of each other. This theory is supported by the example of asthmatics experiencing shortness of breath and anxiety at the same time.

Question 3

Which sequence of events in emotional responses is characteristic of the James-Lange theory of emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that physiological changes in response to a stimulus come first, followed by the experience of emotion. Therefore, the correct sequence of events based on this theory would be stimulus  physiological changes  emotion. Choice A is incorrect because the theory states that physiological changes come before the experience of emotion, not after. Choice C is also incorrect because in this sequence, physiological changes are assumed to come before the stimulus, which is not consistent with the theory. Choice D is inaccurate because the theory proposes that the experience of emotion is a result of physiological changes, not simultaneous with them.

Question 4

The __________ theory of emotion proposes that stimuli cause physiological changes in our bodies and emotions result from those physiological changes.

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that physiological changes in our bodies are the cause of emotions. According to this theory, we experience emotions as a result of changes in our bodies that are in response to stimuli in the environment.

Question 5

Seeing a snake, and then simultaneously running away from it and becoming frightened, is the sequence of events postulated by __________ theory.

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory posits that an emotional experience is triggered by the simultaneous activation of the thalamus and the cortex. In this theory, the emotional response and the physiological responses occur at the same time, rather than in a sequential order as proposed by the James-Lange theory.

Question 6

Seeing a snake, experiencing increased heart rate and rapid breathing, and then becoming frightened is the sequence of events postulated by the __________ theory.

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory posits that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events. According to this theory, seeing a snake would first cause physiological reactions such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing, and these reactions would then lead to the experience of feeling frightened.

Question 7

Which is the BEST explanation of the Cannon-Bard theory?

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that bodily arousal and emotional experience happen simultaneously. This means that when we encounter a stimulus, we experience both a physical response and an emotional response at the same time. This is different from other theories that suggest emotions arise from either bodily arousal or cognitive interpretation of situations.

Question 8

What is the correct sequence of events in emotional response according to the Cannon-Bard theory?

Accepted Answer

According to the Cannon-Bard theory, both emotion and physiological changes occur simultaneously in response to a stimulus, so the correct sequence of events is not a linear one, but rather the two responses occur at the same time. Therefore, the best choice is D, which reflects this simultaneous response.

Question 9

Which theory of emotion emphasizes the role of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion emphasizes the role of the thalamus, stating that emotions and bodily responses occur simultaneously and independently.

Question 10

Which statement BEST reflects the James-Lange theory of emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that physiological arousal precedes the experience of emotion. According to this theory, we first see a stimulus (e.g., a monster), which leads to a physiological reaction (e.g., our hearts racing), and it is this reaction that leads us to experience an emotion (e.g., fear).

Question 11

Which theory of emotion states that the experience of emotion occurs simultaneously with biological changes?

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion proposes that emotional experience and the physiological reactions to stimuli occur simultaneously and independently. This contrasts with theories like the James-Lange theory, which suggests that physiological arousal precedes the emotional experience.

Question 12

Which statement about emotions would have most likely been made by William James?

Accepted Answer

William James proposed the James-Lange theory of emotions, which states that physiological arousal precedes the experience of an emotion. In other words, your body reacts first and then you experience the emotion. Choice A best reflects this perspective.

Question 13

You are walking in the forest and see a bear. According to the Cannon-Bard theory, what happens next?

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory posits that we experience physiological reactions and emotions simultaneously in response to a stimulus, rather than one following the other.

Question 14

You are walking through a store when you run into a friend whom you have not seen in a long time and whom you miss very much. According to the James-Lange theory, what might happen?

Accepted Answer

According to the James-Lange theory, physiological changes occur first and then lead to the experience of an emotion. In this situation, seeing the friend would trigger physiological changes, such as an increased heart rate and sweating, which would then be followed by the feeling of happiness at seeing them again.

Question 15

Which statement is MOST consistent with the James-Lange theory of emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events. According to this theory, we feel emotion because of biological changes caused by stress. "I'm happy because I laugh" aligns with this theory as it implies that the act of laughing (a physiological response) leads to the feeling of happiness (emotion).

Question 16

The idea that bodily arousal and the experience of emotion arise in tandem forms the essence of __________ theory.

Accepted Answer

The Cannon-Bard theory posits that we experience physiological arousal and emotional feelings at the same time, not one causing the other.

Question 17

Which theory states that a stimulus triggers physiological changes that produce emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that a person's physiological response to a stimulus, such as increased heart rate or sweating, precedes and triggers the subjective experience of emotion. In other words, according to this theory, we feel emotions as a result of our bodily responses to the world around us.

Question 18

Which of the following is the BEST example of an individualistic culture?

Accepted Answer

The United States is known for its individualistic culture, where individuals prioritize personal goals, achievements, and individual rights over collective goals and social harmony. This can be seen in the emphasis on personal responsibility, self-reliance, and individual achievement in American society.

Question 19

Which theory of emotion states that your body reacts before you experience an emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that your body reacts first and then you experience the emotion. It suggests that physiological changes such as increased heart rate, sweating, or trembling lead to an emotional experience.

Question 20

One of the problems associated with asthma is that once patients experience difficulty breathing, they often make their symptoms worse by concentrating on them and/or worrying about them. Consequently, many doctors include relaxation exercises as part of a treatment program to prevent patients from making their asthmatic reactions worse. This example of how our awareness of physiological changes can influence or even cause subsequent emotions is MOST supportive of which of the following theories of emotion?

Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that our awareness of physiological changes causes emotions. In this example, patients' awareness of their difficulty breathing (physiological change) triggers worry and anxiety (emotion), making their asthmatic reactions worse.

Quiz 9: Motivation and Emotion