Dylan is on a roller coaster that has just reached the top of the first climb and is starting to drop.Based on the James-Lange theory of emotions,Dylan should report
A) "My racing heart must mean I'm terrified because everyone else is screaming."
B) "I feel terrified because my heart is racing."
C) "My heart is racing because I am terrified."
D) "The sight of the drop makes my heart race and it makes me feel terrified."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the James-Lange theory of emotions, physiological arousal precedes the experience of emotion. Therefore, Dylan would feel terrified because his heart is racing, which is the physiological response. Option B correctly reflects this explanation. Option A assumes that Dylan is interpreting his emotion based on the experience of others, rather than his own physiological response. Option C suggests that Dylan already feels terrified and then experiences an increase in heart rate, which does not align with the James-Lange theory. Option D suggests that the sight of the drop causes both the physiological response and the emotion, which is not consistent with the theory.

Dylan Is on a Roller Coaster That Has Just Reached