Discussion Forum: Theories of Emotions Due: Jan 4 at 11:59pm Calendar 18WN-PSYC-
ID: 3443116 • Letter: D
Question
Discussion Forum: Theories of Emotions Due: Jan 4 at 11:59pm Calendar 18WN-PSYC-106-DE01C Details Question Preface: Tranquilizing drugs that inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity often effectively reduce people's subjective experience of intense fear and anxiety. Primary Post: In your own words, use one of the major theories of emotion to account for the emotion reducing effects of such tranquilizers. Secondary Post: In your own words, discuss the difference between incentive and drive theories. Reply Post: Make a substantive reply to at least one peer that demonstrates your ability to discuss and analyze the content within this section.Explanation / Answer
Primary Post: The James-Lange theory of emotion states that emotion is the outcome of perceived physiological changes, that is, bodily reactions occur first and are then followed by an emotional reaction. In this case, tranquilizers that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system is likely to have a corresponding effect om the experience of fear and anxiety as well, given the fact that a reduction in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system would lead to a response that occurs as a reaction to the information received from the body.
Secondary Post: The primary difference between the incentive and drive theory is the source from which motivational tendencies arise. The drive theory states that human behavior is driven by basic biological needs that disrupt the body's homeostasis. We thus seek to act to restore our physiological equilibrium. On the other hand, the incentive theory states that human behavior is driven by external stimuli. We learn to associate these stimuli with rewards and punishment and are motivated to seek the rewards. In other words, drive theory states that behavior is pushed by a need, while the incentive theory states that behavior is pulled by a desire.