SACE Psychology — Stage 2
Emotion Theories — Flashcards & Quiz
Theories of emotion attempt to explain how physiological arousal, cognition and behaviour combine to produce emotional experience. SACE Psychology Stage 2 covers three classic theories — James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter-Singer's two-factor theory — along with cognitive appraisal models. You need to describe each and evaluate against experimental evidence.
Key Points
- James-Lange theory: we feel emotion BECAUSE of bodily changes. Order: stimulus → physiological response → emotion. "We are afraid because we run."
- Cannon-Bard theory: physiological response and emotion happen simultaneously. Order: stimulus → thalamus sends signals to body AND cortex at the same time.
- Schachter-Singer two-factor theory: emotion requires BOTH physiological arousal AND cognitive interpretation of the situation. Arousal is general; cognition labels it as a specific emotion.
- Cognitive appraisal (Lazarus): emotions result from interpreting events against personal goals and wellbeing. Primary appraisal (is this a threat?) and secondary appraisal (can I cope?).
- Schachter and Singer's epinephrine experiment supported the two-factor theory: same arousal, different emotions based on contextual cues.
- Modern consensus: emotion is a complex interaction of physiology, cognition, behaviour and context — no single classical theory captures it fully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing the order in James-Lange (body first) with Cannon-Bard (simultaneous).
- Claiming Schachter-Singer rejects physiology — it requires BOTH arousal AND cognition.
- Forgetting Lazarus's appraisal theory as a modern alternative.
- Using everyday language instead of precise theory names in responses.
- Missing the Schachter-Singer epinephrine experiment as empirical support.
Exam Strategy
SACE Stage 2 emotion questions ask you to describe and compare theories. Method: (1) state each theory's core claim about the order of events, (2) provide supporting evidence (Schachter-Singer experiment, appraisal studies), (3) evaluate strengths and weaknesses, (4) conclude with modern integrative view.
Revision Tip
Emotion theories are ordered sequences — drill a Revizi deck with flowcharts for each theory's stimulus-response-emotion order.
Last updated: March 2026