Question 60

Marcie's experience illustrates the James-Lange theory.

Marcie's experience of her heart pounding and subsequently labeling that feeling as fear exemplifies the James-Lange theory, which posits that physiological responses precede and inform emotional experiences.

A) James-Lange

This option is correct because the James-Lange theory asserts that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to events. In Marcie's case, her heart pounding (a physiological response) leads her to identify the emotion of fear, aligning perfectly with this theory.

B) Cannon-Bard

This option is incorrect as the Cannon-Bard theory suggests that emotional experiences and physiological responses occur simultaneously but independently. Marcie's sequential experience of a physiological response followed by an emotional label contradicts this theory.

C) Schachter's two-factor

This option is incorrect because Schachter's two-factor theory implies that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal. While it involves labeling, the initial physiological response must occur alongside cognitive appraisal, which is not the sequence shown in Marcie's case.

D) Terror management

This option is incorrect as terror management theory is focused on how individuals cope with the fear of death and existential anxiety. Marcie's situation does not pertain to these existential concerns, making this option irrelevant.

E) Drive reduction

This option is incorrect because drive reduction theory relates to biological needs and the motivation to satisfy them, such as hunger or thirst. Marcie's experience of fear does not relate to fulfilling a biological drive, thus making this option not applicable.

Conclusion

Marcie's experience clearly demonstrates the James-Lange theory, as her physiological response directly informs her emotional identification. Other theories, such as Cannon-Bard and Schachter's two-factor, do not fit her sequential experience of emotion arising from physiological reaction, while terror management and drive reduction are unrelated to her specific emotional response.