Which of the following best describes the main difference between the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories of emotion?

• A. The James-Lange theory argues that emotions are innate and universal, while the Cannon-Bard theory believes emotions are culturally determined.
• B. The James-Lange theory suggests that emotions are only experienced after conscious thought, while the Cannon-Bard theory says emotions occur without any physiological changes.
• C. The James-Lange theory states that emotions are caused by cognitive appraisal, whereas the Cannon-Bard theory claims emotions are learned through social interaction.
• D. The James-Lange theory proposes that physiological arousal comes before the experience of emotion, while the Cannon-Bard theory suggests that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the James-Lange theory of emotion, which proposes that an emotional experience is the result of perceiving physiological changes in the body. In other words, the sequence is: stimulus leads to physiological arousal, which then leads to the experience of emotion.
2. Step 2: Understand the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, which argues that physiological arousal and the experience of emotion happen at the same time, rather than one causing the other. This means that when a stimulus is perceived, the brain simultaneously triggers both the emotional experience and the physiological response.
3. Step 3: Compare the two theories by focusing on the timing and relationship between physiological arousal and emotional experience. James-Lange emphasizes a sequential process (arousal first, then emotion), while Cannon-Bard emphasizes a simultaneous process.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the other answer choices are incorrect because they misrepresent the theories' views on cultural influence, cognitive appraisal, or the necessity of conscious thought in emotion.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the main difference lies in whether physiological arousal precedes emotion (James-Lange) or occurs simultaneously with emotion (Cannon-Bard).