Akbar takes an antihistamine, but he doesn't realize that the medication will also increase his overall level of autonomic arousal. Thirty minutes after he has taken the medication, he is introduced to Stella. If Akbar incorrectly attributes his increased arousal as attraction for Stella, which of the following theories would be supported by this example?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Schachter's two-factor theory of emotion proposes that both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation are necessary to experience emotions. In this example, Akbar experiences an increase in arousal due to the medication, but his cognitive interpretation (incorrect attribution) leads him to believe it is due to his attraction to Stella. This supports the two-factor theory, as both arousal and cognitive interpretation are involved in his emotional experience.

Akbar Takes an Antihistamine, but He Doesn't Realize That the Medication