You just finished a cup of very strong coffee, which causes your body to have a general feeling of arousal. That afternoon you walk past a cemetery where several people are crying at a graveside. According to Schachter, which of the following would most likely occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Schachter's two-factor theory of emotion, our emotions are determined by both physiological arousal and cognitive labeling. In this scenario, the strong coffee would create a general feeling of arousal in the body. The context of the cemetery would affect how the arousal is labeled, and the person would likely experience sadness in response to the emotional scene. Therefore, the most likely option is C. Option E is incorrect because arousal can be activated by both positive and negative emotions.

You Just Finished a Cup of Very Strong Coffee, Which