Overview Flashcards
(8 cards)
What’s the historical background of emotion research?
Emotion research took a ‘back seat’ due to the behaviourist legacy (Watson & Skinner) who were concerned with overt behaviours which were observable and measurable. Reference to unseen metal processes was taboo. Attitudes in western societies (since Plato) towards emotion viewed as impediments to rational thought/ childish and no longer useful to mature adult. Recent resurgence in emotion (and how it interacts with cognition) research due to new brain imaging techniques and a shift in attitude towards the importance and function of emotion in everyday life.
Describe emotions?
Emotions are a familiar and fundamental aspect of everyday life. They are the crucial distinction between the behaviour of humans and of high functioning computers or robots.
What are the three basic components of emotion?
Behavioural responses; physiological responses and feelings.
Outline examples of behavioural responses and how these can be measured?
Examples: laughing when happy; withdrawing from something disgusting or becoming agitated/ raising voice when angry. Observable phenomena. Facial expressions also examples but can be brought under some degree of control. Different cultures differ in code of conduct with respect to emotional expression. Behavioural responses are visible to others and communicate (albeit imperfectly) the individual’s emotional status. Recognition of facial expressions has attracted the most research attention (rather than production).
Outline examples of physiological responses and how these can be measured?
Examples include sweating when anxious or heart racing when agitated or excited. Reactions have been refined during evolution and are vital to survival (when physical action is required). These bodily responses are controlled by the autonomic nervous system (a network of nerve fibres which transmit signals to organs, muscles and glands). Measured via galvanic skin response measures etc.
Outline the three autonomic nervous systems and their functions?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a network of nerve fibres throughout the body which transmit signals to the various organs, muscles and glands. The sympathetic ANS produces effects associated with arousal including secretion of the hormone adrenalin which leads to ‘fight or flight’ response. The parasympathetic ANS dominates during periods of rest, having broadly opposing effects in the body.
Outline features of feeling emotions and how these can be measured?
Feelings are private and subjective. Reported by humans around the world (anger, fear, love) and recognised and understood by those around them. Research in this area is interested in whether the stimuli used in talks elicit positive or negative emotions and to what degree. Acknowledge that feelings co-occur with the other markers of emotion. Concentrate on how cognitive processing is associated with emotions and emotional material.
Give two reasons why it is difficult to study emotion in a laboratory setting?
It is unethical to induce strong emotions (especially negative ones) in a lab setting. Strong emotions are also difficult to elicit in a predictable fashion and take a while to die down, making lab studies impractical. Research, therefore, confined to mild emotional states. However, it provides valuable insights regarding cognitive processes.
