Emotions in Action
You’re watching a scary movie late at night. Your heart starts pounding, your palms sweat, and only afterward do you realize you’re afraid. What theory of emotion explains this?
What is the James-Lange Theory of Emotion? (Emotions result from awareness of physiological arousal)
You notice your friend tapping their foot and avoiding eye contact while talking to a teacher. You can tell they’re anxious. Which component of emotion does this represent?
What is Behavioral Response? (Physical actions that express emotion.)
You study hard for your exam because you want an A, praise from your parents, and maybe even something from them. What type of motivation are you demonstrating?
What is Extrinsic Motivation? (behavior driven by external rewards.)
Before giving a class presentation, you take deep breaths to calm your nerves. What emotional regulation strategy are you using?
What is Refocusing Attention / Mindfulness? (controlling attention to manage emotion.)
You resist the urge to scroll on your phone so you can finish your essay. What process are you demonstrating?
What is Self-Regulation? (guiding behavior to achieve long-term goals.)
You see a snake on the trail. At the same time, your heart races, and you instantly feel fear. Which theory explains this simultaneous reaction?
What is the Cannon-Bard Theory? (Emotion and arousal happen at the same time but separately.)
You frown slightly, and your classmate immediately asks, “What’s wrong?” What does this show about facial expressions?
What is Facial Expression Communication? (Emotions are adaptive because they convey information.)
Pamela enjoys crocheting and is very talented at it. Despite her friends' encouraging her to sell them and start a business, she says, “No, I do this because I enjoy it.” What motivation is she showing?
What is Intrinsic Motivation? (behavior done for internal satisfaction or enjoyment.)
After a stressful argument, you take a walk and listen to music to distract yourself. What method of emotion control is this?
What is Healthy Distraction? (temporarily shifting focus to reduce emotional intensity.)
You feel torn because you believe honesty is important, but you lied to protect your friend’s feelings. The discomfort motivates you to tell the truth. What concept is this?
What is Cognitive Dissonance? (tension caused by conflict between beliefs and actions.)
After running a race, your body feels excited. When a friend congratulates you, you label your arousal as happiness instead of anxiety. Which theory describes this process?
What is the Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory? (emotion = physiological arousal + cognitive label.)
A friend from Japan expresses happiness with a soft smile rather than a loud laugh. What concept explains this difference?
What are Display Rules? (Cultural norms that determine how and when emotions are expressed).
You skip lunch, and your stomach growls. You get up to eat so you can feel balanced again. What concept explains this behavior?
What is Drive Reduction Theory / Homeostasis? (motivation to restore internal balance.)
You imagine watching your argument from an outside perspective to help yourself cool off. What strategy are you using?
What is Self-Distancing / Perspective-Taking? (viewing situation objectively to reduce emotion; "fly-on-the-wall perspective).
You clean your room only because your parents told you to, not because you want to. What type of motivation is this?
What is Extrinsic Motivation / External Regulation? (behavior for external rewards or pressure.)
You’re feeling sad, but when you force yourself to smile for a picture, you start actually to feel happier. What concept explains this?
What is the Facial Feedback Hypothesis? (Facial expressions can influence emotional experience.)
You feel your heart pounding and your stomach drop before realizing you’re nervous for your speech. Which brain structure helps you sense these internal states?
What is the Insula? (Responsible for awareness of bodily states [heartbeat, arousal, etc.])
You feel focused and alert during a competition—but when you get too nervous, your performance gets worse. What law explains this?
What is the Yerkes-Dodson Law? (performance improves with arousal up to a point, then declines.)
You make a joke about accidentally tripping in front of your class to make everyone laugh. What regulation strategy are you using?
What is Humor? (increases positive affect and reduces negative emotion.)
You feel proud after completing a tough workout and more confident about doing it again. What concept explains this increased confidence?
What is Self-Efficacy? (belief that one’s efforts will lead to success.)
You’re nervous before a big presentation, but you tell yourself, “This just means I care about doing well.” What emotional regulation strategy are you using?
What is Cognitive Reappraisal (Reframing)? (changing the interpretation of a situation to alter emotion.)
You spill coffee on someone and blush, laugh awkwardly, and say sorry. The person forgives you right away. Which emotion helped smooth over the interaction?
What is Embarrassment? (Signals recognition of social error and elicits forgiveness.)
You volunteer at a shelter because it helps you feel connected and part of a community. What theory of motivation is this an example of?
What is the Need to Belong Theory? (Humans are motivated to form and maintain social bonds.)
After failing an exam, you tell yourself, “This doesn’t define me—it’s just one test.” Which emotion regulation concept does this show?
What is Cognitive Reappraisal / Reframing? (changing how you think about an event.)
You choose a job that gives you independence, meaningful relationships, and chances to grow. What theory of motivation best explains this?
What is the Self-Determination Theory? (motivated by needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness).