After night class, you are walking back to your car when you catch a glimpse of someone running up behind you. You quickly turn and brace for a possible attack, but the students runs on by. It is only after you reacted to the possible attack that you realized that you felt afraid. Reacting before experiencing the feeling of fear is BEST explained by which theory of emotion?
A)the James-Lange theory
B)the common sense theory
C)Schachter's cognitive theory
D)the Cannon-Bard theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that physiological arousal precedes the experience of emotion. In this scenario, the physical reaction to a potential threat occurred before the realization of feeling afraid, aligning with the James-Lange theory's sequence of events: first the physiological response, then the emotional experience.

After Night Class, You Are Walking Back to Your Car