Assignment no 3

Psychology

Topic: Theories of Emotions

Submitted to: Ma’am Mahreen Aftab

Submitted by: Syeda Ghanyan Shahzadi

Registration no: BSP203006

Date: 18, Dec, 2020

Department of Management and social Sciences

Capital University of Science and Technology (C.U.S.T)

Using a stimulus of your own choice explain the James-Lange, Cannon Bard,
Schechter-Singer, and cognitive-mediational theories of emotion. Describe
each theory in just a few sentences?

Theory of James-Lange

Independently proposed by psychologist William James and physiologist Carl Lange, the James-

Lange theory of emotion suggests that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to
events. This theory suggests that seeing an external stimulus leads to a physiological reaction.

The James-Lange theory of emotion argues that an event causes physiological arousal first and
then we interpret this arousal. Only after our interpretation of the arousal can we experience
emotion. ... You notice these physiological changes and interpret them as your body's preparation
for a fearful situation.

For Example:

1. If you run into a snake, your heart rate increases. James-Lange theory suggests that the
increase in heart rate is what makes us realize we're afraid.
2. Suppose you are walking in the woods, and you see a grizzly bear. You begin to tremble,
and your heart begins to race. The James-Lange theory proposes that you will interpret
your physical reactions and conclude that you are frightened ("I am trembling. Therefore
I am afraid

Theory of Cannon Bard

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion states that stimulating events trigger feelings and physical
reactions that occur at the same time. ... Cannon-Bard suggests that both of these reactions occur
simultaneously and independently. In other words, the physical reaction isn't dependent on the
emotional reaction, and vice versa.
For example:

1. Many people find job interviews stressful. Imagine you have a job interview tomorrow
morning for a position you really want. Thinking about the interview might leave you
feeling nervous or worried. You might also feel physical sensations such as tremors,
tense muscles, or a rapid heartbeat, especially as the interview approaches.
2. For many people, moving into a new home is a source of happiness and excitement.
Imagine you’ve just moved into a new home with your partner or spouse. Your new
home is larger than the apartment you lived in before. It has enough space for the
children you hope to have together. As you unpack boxes, you feel happy. Tears well in
your eyes. Your chest is tight, and it’s almost difficult to breathe.

Theory of Schechter-Singer

The Schechter-Singer Theory, also known as the Two-Factor theory of emotion, states that 2

factors are needed to experience emotion. First, environmental stimuli elicits a physiological
response. Second, we cognitively appraise this physiological activity, and try to give it the
correct label.

For example:

Imagine playing a physically demanding game like basketball. As soon as you are done with the
game (and you are hot, your heart is racing, etc., which is the state of arousal) someone gives you
some bad news. In response, you get angry (label the emotion as anger), and feel that anger.

Theory of cognitive-mediational

When an individual perceives a stimulus cognitive properties elicit arousal and emotion which

are associated with that stimulus. The cognitive appraisal of the stimulus is what causes
future emotional responses like stress or fear to be associated with the stimulus.

For example

The sound of a gunshot, leads both to the physiological responses like rapid heart rate and
trembling and to the subjective experience of fear. The two most well-known cognitive
theories are the two-factor and the cognitive-mediational theories of emotion. When we frown,
we then experience sadness.