Scribd
Upload
27 views2 pages

Practical Assignment Comparison of Two Emotion Theories

The document compares the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories of emotion. The James-Lange theory posits that physiological reactions precede and trigger emotional experiences, while the Cannon-Bard theory argues that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously and independently. Both theories highlight the connection between external stimuli, the body, and emotional experiences, but differ in the sequence of events leading to emotions.

Uploaded by

Anna Koren
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
27 views2 pages

Practical Assignment Comparison of Two Emotion Theories

The document compares the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories of emotion. The James-Lange theory posits that physiological reactions precede and trigger emotional experiences, while the Cannon-Bard theory argues that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously and independently. Both theories highlight the connection between external stimuli, the body, and emotional experiences, but differ in the sequence of events leading to emotions.

Uploaded by

Anna Koren
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Practical Assignment: Comparison of Two Emotion Theories

Chosen Theories:
1. James-Lange Theory
2. Cannon-Bard Theory

1. James-Lange Theory
Summary in Simple Terms:
The James-Lange theory suggests that emotions are the result of physiological
reactions to external stimuli. According to this theory, the body reacts first (e.g.,
increased heart rate, sweating), and then the brain interprets these physical changes as
emotions (e.g., fear or excitement).
Example:
Imagine you are walking in the forest and suddenly hear a rustling in the bushes. Your
heart starts racing, and your body tenses up.

According to the James-Lange theory, you would then interpret these physiological
responses (racing heart, tension) as the emotion of fear. The body’s physical response
triggers the emotional experience.

2. Cannon-Bard Theory
Summary in Simple Terms:
The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that emotions and physiological responses occur
simultaneously but independently. When we experience an emotion, our brain sends
signals to the body to produce physical reactions (e.g., increased heart rate), and at
the same time, the brain processes the emotional experience (e.g., fear), but both
happen at the same time, not in sequence.
Example:
Imagine you are walking in the forest and hear the same rustling in the bushes. Your
heart starts racing, and your body tenses up.
According to the Cannon-Bard theory, your heart rate increases and you experience
the emotion of fear simultaneously. Both the physical reaction and the emotional
experience happen at the same time, rather than one causing the other.

Similarities:
- Both theories suggest that emotions are triggered by external stimuli.
- Both theories involve the body and the brain working together in response to
emotions.

Differences:
- James-Lange Theory argues that physical responses cause the emotional experience,
while Cannon-Bard Theory proposes that the emotional experience and physical
response occur at the same time.
- James-Lange sees the body’s physical reaction as the key trigger of emotion,
whereas Cannon-Bard suggests the brain processes the emotional experience
independently of the body’s reaction.

Conclusion:
- James-Lange focuses on the sequence of body reactions leading to emotions,
while Cannon-Bard emphasizes the simultaneous occurrence of emotional and
physiological responses. Both theories contribute to understanding the complex
relationship between our bodies and emotions, offering valuable insights into
how we experience and react to stimuli.

You might also like