Lecture Notes: Two-Factor Theory of Emotion

Introduction to Emotions

Emotions are experienced both mentally and physically.
Emotional responses can drive voluntary and involuntary behaviors.
Theories have attempted to explain the role of arousal, cognition, and behavior in emotions.

Developed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer.
Recognizes both cognition and arousal as key components in identifying and feeling emotions.
Emotion is influenced by:
- Context
- Past experiences
- Personal knowledge

Arousal (Physical):
- Defined as a state of wakefulness/perception.
- Plays a role in fight or flight, consciousness, and attention.
- Physiological responses include sweaty palms, chest tightening, numbness in hands and feet.
Cognition (Mental):
- Involves using environmental cues to interpret arousal and identify emotions.
- Appraisal Process:
  - Primary Appraisal: Assess if the stimulus is a threat.
  - Secondary Appraisal: Decide how to handle the threat (fight, flight, freeze).
  - Reappraisal: Reassess emotions if new information changes perception.

Schachter and Singer Experiment:
- Participants injected with epinephrine.
- Confederates acted either euphorically or angrily.
- Participants unaware of side effects reported emotions in line with confederate behavior.
Bridge Experiment:
- Men crossed a scary or stable bridge.
- More calls to a woman from those on the scary bridge, attributing arousal to attraction.
- Illustrates "misattribution of arousal," supporting the Two-Factor Theory.

The theory is relatively new and introduced in 1962.
Not all replications of original studies have yielded the same results.
Continues to enhance our understanding of mental and physical processes in emotions.

The Two-Factor Theory provides a more comprehensive explanation of emotions than previous theories.
Encourages further exploration and understanding of emotion in cognitive and social psychology.

End of Lecture Notes.