Unit 2 Topic 5 - Emotion and Motivation

Question 1

Compare the following theories of emotion (2.5.1.1)
- Two Factor (Schachter + Singer, 1962)
- Appraisal (Richard Lazarus, 1982)

Answer 1

Two Factor:
physiological arousal determines the strength of the emotion, cognitive appraisal identifies the emotion label

Appraisal:
emotions are extracted from our evaluations of events that cause specific reactions in different people

Question 2

Explain the biological nature of cognitive appraisal (2.5.1.3)

Answer 2

Parts of the Brain:
Thalamus: receiver
Amygdala: recognition
Hippocampus: output - emotionally charged stimulus
Hypothalamus: output - response to threat stimulus

Question 3

Describe factors that influence happiness (2.5.1.4)

Answer 3

Happiness is subjective experience, a persons enjoyment or satisfaction
Age: limited effects, youth can experience intense happiness
Physical Health: peak health increases happiness generally
Culture: cultural expectations may influence happiness
Religion: more religious increases happiness generally
Income + Employment: being employed with good income typically reduces stress, however, money does not buy happiness