On your drive home from school one evening, you are stopped at a light. You see in your rearview mirror a car approaching at an alarming rate of speed. Realizing that the car is likely to run into you full force, you experience a number of reactions, both physiological and emotional. Briefly discuss the classic theories of emotion (Cannon-Bard theory, James-Lange theory, two-factor theory) as they relate to this situation.

Question

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The Answer is The answer should indicate that according to the James-Lange theory of emotion, you experience a physiological response (heart pounding in your chest, increased respirations); then you experience the emotion of fear (or terror). More specifically, the stimulus (car behind you) leads to a specific physiological response resulting in the emotion (fear). The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, however, suggests that you see the car approaching quickly (stimulus); then you experience a physiological response and the emotion of fear simultaneously. More specifically, the stimulus (the car behind you) leads to you simultaneously experiencing the physiological response and the emotion, fear. The two-factor theory suggest that you see the car approaching, and you experience a general physiological response that your brain interprets in context to produce the emotion of fear. More specifically, the stimulus (the car behind you) creates general physiological arousal which leads to the experience of fear.

On Your Drive Home from School One Evening, You Are