Sitting side-by-side, Amy and Howard watched the television as the news reporter announced, "With the votes from the remaining counties, there's no question that Senator Smith has won reelection!" At that moment, Howard jumped off the couch and cheered with joy, and Amy stomped angrily out of the room. Which theory of emotion BEST accounts for their different reactions to the same information?
A) Schachter and Singer's two-factor theory of emotion
B) the facial feedback theory of emotion
C) James-Lange theory of emotion
D) Lazarus's cognitive-appraisal theory of emotion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lazarus's cognitive-appraisal theory of emotion suggests that individuals' emotional responses are based on their personal interpretation or appraisal of a situation, which explains why Amy and Howard have different reactions to the same news.

Sitting Side-By-Side, Amy and Howard Watched the Television as the News