To What Extent Do Cognitive and Biological Factors Interact in Emotion
To what extent do cognitive and biological factors interact in emotion?
Example exam approach: In this answer I will discuss the interaction of cognitive and biological factors with reference to three theories.
Psychologists have long debated the role physiological, cognitive and behavioural factors play in emotions. Originally believed to be a physiological experience, research now suggests that emotions are an interaction of both physiological and cognitive factors. Different theories debate the role and primacy of each.
Schacter (1964) Two – factory theory
Schacter (1964) was the first theorist to bring together the two elements of physiological arousal and cognition. It is sometimes known as the two-factor theory of emotion. For an emotion to be experienced a physiological state of arousal is necessary AND situational factors will then determine how we interpret this arousal.
In other words, an event causes physiological arousal first. You must then identify a reason for this arousal and then you are able to experience and label the emotion. The strength of physiological arousal will determine the strength of emotion experienced, while the situation will determine the type of emotion.
These two factors are independent of each other BUT both are necessary for the emotion to be experienced.
A classic study by Schacter & Singer (1962) supports these ideas. Their study tested the theory that an emotion is made up of cognitive appraisal (labelling the emotion) and physiological arousal (adrenaline and the physical changes it produces). They gave 3 groups of participants an adrenaline injection (epinephrine) and 1 group a placebo, and then put them into situations designed to create an emotional response of anger or happiness. Some participants were misled or given no information and the researchers predicted that they would blame their physical state on the situation, therefore reporting higher levels of emotion. Other participants
Example exam approach: In this answer I will discuss the interaction of cognitive and biological factors with reference to three theories.
Psychologists have long debated the role physiological, cognitive and behavioural factors play in emotions. Originally believed to be a physiological experience, research now suggests that emotions are an interaction of both physiological and cognitive factors. Different theories debate the role and primacy of each.
Schacter (1964) Two – factory theory
Schacter (1964) was the first theorist to bring together the two elements of physiological arousal and cognition. It is sometimes known as the two-factor theory of emotion. For an emotion to be experienced a physiological state of arousal is necessary AND situational factors will then determine how we interpret this arousal.
In other words, an event causes physiological arousal first. You must then identify a reason for this arousal and then you are able to experience and label the emotion. The strength of physiological arousal will determine the strength of emotion experienced, while the situation will determine the type of emotion.
These two factors are independent of each other BUT both are necessary for the emotion to be experienced.
A classic study by Schacter & Singer (1962) supports these ideas. Their study tested the theory that an emotion is made up of cognitive appraisal (labelling the emotion) and physiological arousal (adrenaline and the physical changes it produces). They gave 3 groups of participants an adrenaline injection (epinephrine) and 1 group a placebo, and then put them into situations designed to create an emotional response of anger or happiness. Some participants were misled or given no information and the researchers predicted that they would blame their physical state on the situation, therefore reporting higher levels of emotion. Other participants