Two-factor theory of emotion
The two-factor theory of emotion, also known as the Schachter-Singer theory, posits that emotions arise from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal. Developed by psychologists Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer in 1962, this theory suggests that when individuals experience physical reactions in response to situations, they then mentally assess these reactions to determine their emotional state. For instance, if a person feels their heart racing due to a sudden noise, they may interpret the context as fear, thereby experiencing the emotion of fear.
To validate their theory, Schachter and Singer conducted experiments that involved administering adrenaline to participants under various conditions, revealing that those who were unaware of the side effects experienced stronger emotions. While the two-factor theory has significantly influenced the understanding of emotions, it has faced criticism for potential biases in the experiments and for its limited ecological validity. Critics argue that emotions can be affected by a variety of additional factors, such as past experiences, and that emotions may occur prior to conscious cognitive assessment. This has led to the emergence of alternative theories, including the Cannon-Bard theory, which suggests that emotions and physical responses can occur simultaneously.
Two-factor theory of emotion
The two-factor theory of emotion is a theory in psychology explaining how the human mind experiences emotion. Also called the Schachter-Singer theory of emotion after its authors, the theory suggests that emotion is influenced by the combination of a state of arousal and a cognitive assessment of the experience. In other words, when people experience a physiological reaction to a situation, their mind tries to find cues as to why they are feeling that particular way, and they feel emotion.
Developing a Theory and Experimentation
In 1962, psychologists Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer developed their two-factor theory of emotion. They built upon the prevailing theories of the time that espoused that emotions came as either a direct result of external arousal or an interpretation of that arousal, and added cognitive factors to the equation. For example, if a person hears a strange noise in a dark room, his heart starts racing and he starts sweating. This is the state of arousal. The person then cognitively associates the situation with fear, triggering the emotion.
To test their theory, Schachter and Singer conducted an experiment on 184 male college students. Some of the subjects were given an injection of adrenalin, which has side effects such as increased heart and breathing rates, shaky hands, and flushed face. The students were told the injection was a vitamin to improve eyesight. Other subjects were given a non-reactive saline solution as a control. The researchers divided the students into four groups. One group was given the adrenalin injection but not informed of any side effects. A second group was administered adrenalin and told they would experience the side effects. A third group that received the injection was misinformed about the reaction they would experience. The fourth group was the control group and received the saline.
Each student was placed in a room and introduced to another person who was in on the experiment. This person was instructed to act in one of two ways: euphoric or angry. The researchers measured the subjects' responses by observation and through a questionnaire filled out after the experiment. Schachter and Singer determined that the subjects who were unaware or misinformed of the side effects experienced considerably higher levels of emotion compared to those who knew of the side effects or received the saline. The researchers believed this proved their hypothesis that physical arousal combined with cognitive association created an emotional response.
Criticism
While the two-factor theory has had a significant influence on further research, it has met with some criticism in the psychological community. Other researchers have found that emotions are created by more factors than just arousal and cognitive assessment. For example, a person's past experience in a situation also is believed to have an impact on emotions. Schachter and Singer's theory also fails to take into account that emotions sometimes occur before a person is aware of any external stimuli.
Bibliography
Sincero, Sarah Mae. "Schachter-Singer Theory of Emotion." Explorable.com. Explorable.com. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. https://explorable.com/schachter-singer-theory-of-emotion
"The Schachter and Singer Page." Holah.com.uk. Holah.com.uk. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. http://www.holah.karoo.net/schachter.htm
"Theories of Emotion in Psychology." The Psychology Notes HQ. The Psychology Notes Headquarter. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. http://www.psychologynoteshq.com/theoriesofemotion/