AP Psychology Practice Test

What does the Cannon-Bard Theory propose about emotion?

1. Emotion is based on physiological responses

2. Physiological responses and emotion occur independently

3. Physiological responses and subjective experience of emotion occur simultaneously

4. Emotions are experiences after cognitive evaluation

The correct answer is: Physiological responses and subjective experience of emotion occur simultaneously

The Cannon-Bard Theory posits that physiological responses and the subjective experience of emotion occur simultaneously but independently. This theory challenges earlier views that suggested a linear pathway where physiological responses (like increased heart rate) come first, followed by the emotional experience. Instead, Cannon and Bard argued that when a person encounters an emotional stimulus, the thalamus sends signals simultaneously to both the autonomic nervous system (which triggers physiological changes) and the cerebral cortex (which processes the emotional experience). This means that both the physical and emotional reactions can happen at the same time, highlighting their independent nature in how humans experience emotions. This understanding is essential in distinguishing it from theories that suggest a more sequential processing of emotions, such as the James-Lange Theory, which implies that emotion is based on physiological responses or the Schachter-Singer Theory, which involves cognitive appraisal influencing emotional experience.