The two-factor theory of emotion would have difficulty explaining why a
A) person comes to fear snakes after he sees someone else bitten by one.
B) person's fear of snakes is reduced after she receives a calming tranquilizer.
C) person automatically fears snakes even though he thinks they are attractive and harmless.
D) person's fear of snakes is reduced after she learns that most snakes are harmless.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two-factor theory of emotion, proposed by Schachter and Singer, suggests that emotion is based on two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal. This theory would have difficulty explaining automatic or instinctive emotional responses, such as an automatic fear of snakes (C), because these responses occur without the need for cognitive appraisal or labeling of the physiological arousal.

The Two-Factor Theory of Emotion Would Have Difficulty Explaining Why