In this article, you will learn:

The Cannon-Bard Theory of emotion states that the cognitive experience of emotions occurring in the cerebral cortex is independent of the stimulation of muscles and other glands. This is despite the fact that both the experience of emotions and the action in the muscles occur simultaneously.

The physiologist Walter B. Cannon, together with his student Phillip Bard developed the Cannon-Bard theory. The cannon-bard theory developed as an alternate psychological theory to the theory of William James and Carl Lange called the James-Lange theory in 1938.

The James-Lange theory claims that emotions are nothing but the names we give to our reactions to the stimulus events. In other words, the occurrence of an event leads to its perception which results in action or bodily changes. The feeling of these bodily changes is what is emotion.

However, Cannon-Bard emphasized Thalamus being responsible for all the emotional expressions. In other words, the emotional expression is independent of the cortex, and the Thalamus is the region of all emotional expressions.

In this article, we will learn what is the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, the Cannon-Bard theory example, and James Lange Theory Vs Cannon-Bard.

What is the Cannon-Bard Theory?

According to the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, the appraisal of the stimulus event, the reaction towards it, and the feeling of the emotion are independent of each other. This is despite all the three occurring simultaneously.

Furthermore, the subcortical center or Thalamus is the region responsible for emotional expression.

In other words, the Thalamus prepares for instant and vigorous action. Further, the processes triggered in the Thalamus are the sources of emotional experiences.

This is unlike the James-Lange theory that suggests that bodily changes due to a stimulus event are the sources of emotional experiences.

What is the correct sequence of events in emotional response according to the Cannon-Bard theory?

Let’s first have a look at the correct sequence of events in emotional response according to James Lange Theory.

This is to better understand the correct sequence of events in emotional response according to the Cannon-Bard theory.

The sequence of Emotional Response According to James Lange Theory

• An object or a stimulus event
• Triggers a sense organ
• Which leads to impulses causing cortical excitation
• This results in perception or appraisal of the object or event
• Which further passes the impulses down to muscles and viscera and changes them in many ways
• The impulses in these disturbed organs go back to the cortex
• Where perceptions of these impulses are added to original perceptions
• These occurrences lead to object or event simply understood to object or event emotionally felt.

The sequence of Emotional Response According to Cannon-Bard Theory

1. Stimulus

An object or a stimulus event triggers a sense organ. The signals from the stimulated sense organ first reach the Thalamus.

2. Thalamus and Cerebral Cortex

From Thalamus, signals are separated into two branches. The majority of these signals take the longer route and go to the cerebral cortex where these signals are assessed and analyzed

However, a small set of these neural signals take the shorter path and get straightaway passed on to the amygdala and the nearby hippocampus, thus resulting in a quicker but less precise response.

The function of the hippocampus is to register the memories of various inputs and to give context to such memories. The cerebral cortex, on the other hand, is responsible for complex analysis of the sensory input

Thus, the hippocampus, which is the key storehouse of memory, starts comparing the inputs with memories of such inputs already registered with it. On the other hand, the cortex works parallel to the hippocampus and undertakes a higher-level analysis of such input.

3. Amygdala

After the cortex assesses the input, these signals are sent back to the amygdala and hippocampus that start comparing these inputs with similar memories already registered.

If both the amygdala and hippocampus conclude that the input is an ordinary one, a general alert is passed on to the entire brain regarding the given situation. However, if such input is not a familiar one, the circuit between the amygdala, hippocampus, and cortex gets activated.

Such stimulation of this circuit leads to increased certainty about the given situation and hence increases your attention thereby making you more anxious to determine the input.

4. Fight or Flight Hormones

If still, such limbic structures are unable to identify the input, the amygdala gets triggered and it activates other areas of the brain like the hypothalamus, brainstem, and autonomic nervous system.

As a result, the hypothalamus releases fight or flight hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. Further, the body gets prepared for movement and leads to increasing heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, etc.

This means that the shorter pathway from Thalamus to the amygdala gives direct inputs to the amygdala from the senses, which starts responding even before such inputs are fully registered by the executive brain or neocortex.

Thus, the amygdala can give a faster emotional response through this emergency route even as a parallel circuit works between the amygdala and the neocortex. In other words, the amygdala triggers us to give an automatic reaction while the much slower neocortex gives its more sophisticated response after fully analyzing the given input.

Further, the Cannon-Bard theory claimed that bodily changes occur simultaneously with the emotional experiences when Thalamic discharges take place.

Thus, after the stimulus event occurs, its appraisal or perception, the associated action, and the emotional experience occur simultaneously.

Two Main Considerations of the Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

According to the cannon-bard theory, the experience of emotion takes place in the following manner.

I. Emotional Experience is the Outcome of the Action of Subcortical Centers

Cannon supported this argument through a number of studies. One of them was conducted by Bechterev in 1887. He published in his paper that emotional expression is independent of the cortex. This is because there are situations when emotional expressions can’t be prevented.

For instance, crying from pain, grinding of teeth, etc. This is due to certain visceral changes that are beyond one’s control.

In fact, as per experiments conducted, the cerebral hemispheres of various animals were removed. Still, the stimulus events triggered appropriate emotional responses in these animals without cerebral hemispheres.

However, when the optic thalamus was removed in such animals, the animals showed no such emotional responses to the stimulus events.

Thus, the thalamus has an important role in emotional expression.

Likewise, similar evidence was established in observations on humans. For instance, in the case of acute alcoholism, the cortical activity declines.

The drug first acts as a depressant on the extremely sensitive cortex and thus for the time being reduces its control over the lower centers of the brain.

During this time, the lower centers are free from the control of the cortex. This is when you see these lower centers showcasing their function of emotional expression.

Thus, as per the experimental and clinical evidence included in various studies, the thalamus is the region of all emotional expressions.

II. Thalamic Processes are the Source of Affective Experience

The optic Thalamus has been said to be the region that has some kind of consciousness or awareness. In other words, it is important to understand that there is evidence that the disturbance in the Thalamic region is responsible for emotional sensations.

There have been a number of cases where unilateral lesions in the thalamic region have resulted in excessive reaction to emotional stimuli. Both noxious and agreeable stimuli result in excessive emotional reactions on the damaged side. For example, pain is felt more intensely on the side of the body with the damaged thalamus.

Evidence Against James Lange Theory

Both James and Lange claimed that the reversal of impulses from the periphery was responsible for the variety of emotions felt by humans.

These impulses originated in all parts of the body. That is from the skin, muscles, and viscera.

However, Cannon-Bard produced evidence against this claim.

The Cannon-Bard theory disagrees with the James-Lange idea that the stimulation of viscera and sensation in muscles when exposed to a stimulus leads to emotional feelings in individuals.

According to the Cannon-Bard Theory, emotional feelings are derived from the subcortical centers of the human brain.

In other words, Cannon and Bard clearly pointed out through their experiments on animals that the stimulation of the thalamus leads to a discharge of impulses causing emotional activity.

The following are the arguments that Cannon-Bard Theory makes to criticize James-Lange Theory.

Criticisms of James-Lange Theory

I. Separation of Viscera From CNS Does Not Change Emotional Behaviour

Various experiments were conducted wherein the viscera was completely disconnected from the Central Nervous System.

For instance, spinal cord and vagus nerves were cut in dogs so that there was no connection between the brain and heart, liver, spleen, bowels, lungs, and stomach.

In other words, all those structures which were previously assumed to have feelings were separated from the brain.

As per James, the felt emotion should disappear to a great extent in such cases. Whereas as per Lange, the felt emotions should disappear completely when CNS is separated completely from the viscera.

It was observed that there was no change in the emotional behavior of dogs when such surgical severance was undertaken.

In fact, the animals behaved as angrily, as joyfully as ever.

II. Same Visceral Changes Take Place In Completely Different Emotional and Non-Emotional States

The visceral changes caused by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system may include the following.

• racing of heart
• increase of blood sugar levels
• decreased activity of the digestive glands
• sweating
• discharge of adrenin
• raising of hair
• dilation of pupils, etc

Now, these same changes commonly occur across subjectively different emotional states with minor changes.

For example, sweating, racing of the heart, takes place both in fear and rage.

So, if we go by James Lange Theory, if emotions are the result of changes in viscera, there should be no difference between feelings of fear, rage, etc.

However, this is not how it happens. According to Cannon, changes in viscera are too uniform to distinguish between various emotions.

Furthermore, intense emotions like fear and rage and subtle emotions like chilliness would feel the same if emotions were caused due to impulses in the viscera.

However, this is not the case in reality. As per researchers, the visceral excitement for certain emotions may be similar. But emotions that are a result of intense visceral excitement differ in terms of tone in skeletal muscles.

Thus, it is clear that Lange didn’t take this perspective into consideration while deriving the theory of emotions. Even James gave little importance to factors other than visceral excitement that may cause a change in the emotional states.

III. Viscera Are Typically Insensitive Structures

It is important to note that the sensory nerve fibers are probably more than the number of motor fibers in the case of the Spinal Nerve trunk.

Whereas, in the case of the viscera, the sensory nerve fibers may be only one-tenth of the number of motor nerve fibers.

For instance, we are not aware of the contractions and relaxations of the stomach and intestines during the digestion of food.

Likewise, we are not aware of the rubbing of the stomach against the diaphragm, the processes in the liver, and squeezing motions of the spleen.

Though we can feel the thumping of the heart as it presses against the chest wall. Likewise, we can also feel the throbbing of blood vessels. This is because such blood vessels pass through the tissues well supplied with sensory nerves.

Further, we may have abdominal pains. However, we have such pains as there are pulls from the region connecting the abdomen with the pelvic region.

Therefore, it is clear that the visceral processes in themselves are not extraordinarily demonstrative. Even if there are prominent changes in such organs, the resulting sensations impact the cardiovascular system.

IV. Visceral Changes Are Slow To Be Considered As a Source of Emotional Feeling

The motions or sensations that we typically feel in our body are due to the quick-acting striate muscles.

As per NCBI, the striated muscles are required for whole-body oxygen supply, metabolic balance, and locomotion. Further, there are two types of striated muscles: Cardiac muscles, and Skeletal muscles.

These muscles typically have a latent period of less than 0.001 sec. Thus, it is clear that the smooth muscle and glands respond relatively slowly.

However, we should not apply the notions pertaining to the speed of bodily processes acquired through observing the action of skeletal muscle to the other structures.

As per research, the latent period of acquiring emotional feelings when exposed to the pictures of men and women ended is commonly within 0.8 seconds.

But, as per James-Lange Theory, emotional feelings result from the activation in the viscera. However, in reality, this is not possible.

This is because smooth muscles and glands have a long latent period. Additionally, it takes time for the nerve impulses to pass from the brain to the periphery and then back to the brain again.

Therefore, it is clear that changes in viscera are not fast enough for emotional feelings to appear.

V. Visceral Changes Induced Artificially and Having The Ability To Generate Emotions Does Not Produce Such Emotions.

The artificial extract of adrenaline acts just like the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, the following changes occur inside the human body when adrenaline is injected directly into the bloodstream.

• Blood vessels compress
• Sugar releases from the liver
• Gastrointestinal functions stop
• Other changes that are a characteristic of intense emotions

According to James-Lange Theory, intense emotions must follow the above-mentioned changes inside the human body if emotions are a consequence of visceral changes.

Study On Artificial Adrenaline

However, as per a study, students receiving adrenaline injections did not showcase any emotions. This was despite the fact that the adrenaline had the capability to generate intense emotional feelings.

Only a few students who had to participate in athletic competitions experienced emotional arousal just before the race. Such an effect was quite apparent even without artificial injection of adrenaline.

Another study showcased that both normal and abnormal subjects experienced sensations like tightness in the chest and throat, nervousness, trembling, dryness of mouth, weakness, and so on.

These subjects did experience the above-mentioned physiological changes. However, such changes did not have the capacity to generate real emotions.

Although, there were a small number of subjects who did experience real emotions of sorrow along with tears, sobs, and sighs. These subjects were specifically hyperthyroid patients.

Furthermore, this study also showcased that in some cases, the emotions overpowered when the adrenaline was injected after having a traumatic conversation with such subjects.

Thus, the emotional mood that already existed before injecting adrenaline was responsible for generating emotions in the subjects.

So, it is clear from the above-mentioned studies that artificial adrenaline induces typical sensations inside the human body.

However, in some cases, the previous mood supports the resulting emotional experiences. But such sensations do not revive the emotional experiences altogether.

These are exceptional cases and do not represent typical phenomena that James-Lange described.

VI. Emotional Expression Results From the Action of Subcortical Centers

As per a study, the researchers were of the view that emotional expression is independent of the human brain.

This is because there are instances immediately after birth where it is impossible to curb emotional expressions and visceral changes.

Also, the same study showcased that appropriate simulations resulted in corresponding responses even when the cerebral brain of certain animals was removed.

However, such emotional responses disappeared when the thalamus was removed from their brain.

Thus, this study concluded that Thalamus plays an important role in generating emotional expressions. This is because the emotional expressions did not appear when the thalamic region was removed from the brains of the animals.

VII. Thalamic Processes Are a Source of Affective Experiences

Head has emphasized in his studies that there is a spread of sensory neurons in some part of the Thalamic region.

Head and Holmes attributed Thalamus as a part of the human brain that is a region of consciousness or awareness.

This region has a spread of sensory channels. These channels generate emotional expressions when they get activated.

Cannon-Bard Theory Example

The following are examples of the Cannon-Bard Theory.

1. Awaiting Exam Results

The Cannon-Bard Theory of emotion proposes the idea of fight or flight response. Say, for instance, you had appeared for your LSAT this year and today the results are out. When you fill your enrollment ID and are about to view the results, you feel fearful. Your hands turn sweaty and your heart beats faster. There are chances of even getting overwhelmed. But, in order to avoid that, you have to calm yourself down.

2. Undergoing a Surgery

Suppose, you are about to undergo surgery on your left knee that was hurt badly while playing soccer in school. On the day of the surgery, the doctor is about to give you anesthesia in order to start the operation. At that point in time, you feel stressed and overwhelmed. You start feeling heavy in your chest and feel like leaving everything. However, you calm down and explain to yourself that the surgery will help you to come out of the problem.

3. Trauma or PTSD

At times, certain events happen in your life that are life-threatening or quite traumatic. Say, for instance, you put up in an area that is prone to earthquakes. One day, a severe earthquake hits the city and within minutes, some of the old buildings turn into rubble. Since you were a part of the incident, you get fearful and try to escape from your place. Such action is instinctual and comes naturally to you.

4. Adventure Sports

Say you want to engage in an adventure sport like skydiving. You experience an adrenaline rush when you are about to jump. Your heart beats rapidly and you might also experience breathlessness. So to avoid getting overwhelmed, you calm down and try to visualize the feeling of accomplishment you will experience once you complete the task. Thus, this very reasoning will help you to protect yourself from getting overpowered with emotions.

Also Read: Social Comparison Theory: Meaning, Examples, & Application

James Lange Theory Vs Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

The following table showcases the difference between James Lange and Cannon-Bard’s Theory.

1. Definition

James-Lange Theory

The James-Lange Theory of Emotion states that sensations occurring in muscles and internal organs in response to a stimulus result in emotional expression.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion states that the thalamus sends impulses to the brain in response to a stimulus, thus resulting in sensation in muscles and internal organs.

2. Origin

James-Lange Theory

The physiological changes in the body are responsible for generating emotional feelings or responses.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The stimulation of the thalamus is responsible for generating emotional feelings or responses.

3. Neural Pathway

James-Lange Theory

An object stimulates one or more sense organs. The resulting impulses are passed on to the brain that perceives the object. Next, the impulses run down to muscles and the internal organs leading to physical arousal. Subsequently, the impulses from these disturbed organs channel back to the brain and are perceived again. As a result, the individual feels the object emotionally.

Cannon-Bard Theory

An object stimulates neural receptors. The resulting impulses either stimulate the brain first and then the Thalamus or excite Thalamus directly. If the impulses excite the brain, its neurons pass messages to Thalamus. The Thalamus then directs the physical as well as the emotional response. Otherwise, the impulses stimulate the Thalamus directly which then leads to physical and emotional arousal. Note that physical and emotional arousal occur simultaneously.

4. Context of the Theory

James-Lange Theory

It is a Peripheral Theory of Emotion.

Cannon-Bard Theory

It is a Cognitive Theory of Emotion.

5. Dependency on the Cognitive Brain

James-Lange Theory

Emotional experiences are dependent on cortical brain activity.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The emotional experiences are independent of the cortical brain activity. Rather, they originate because of the activity in the subcortical brain regions.

6. Uniformity in Emotional Response Pattern

James-Lange Theory

The emotional responses as a consequence of physiological arousal are accountable for all kinds of emotions like fear, anger, etc. This means that the response patterns for all types of emotions are uniform as per James-Lange Theory.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The emotional responses as a consequence of either thalamus receiving neural impulses directly or through the brain result in different emotional states or feelings. In other words, the thalamus is a region in which the neural organization for the different emotional expressions resides. Thus, it means that the response patterns for all types of emotions are not uniform as per Cannon-Bard Theory.

7. Manner of Occurrence of Emotion

James-Lange Theory

The James-Lange Theory postulates that emotion precedes its expression.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The Cannon-Bard theory postulates that emotion and its expression occur simultaneously.

8. Type of Brain Circuitry

James-Lange Theory

As per James-Lange Theory, a long brain-circuitry is involved in the release of emotional expressions.

Cannon-Bard Theory

As per Cannon-Bard Theory, a short brain-circuitry is involved in the release of emotional expressions.

9. Artificial Emotional Response

James-Lange Theory

The cortical brain’s perception of extreme physiological disturbances, even if induced artificially, without the involvement of subcortical parts like the Thalamus, serves as a source for discriminating between various emotional feelings.

Cannon-Bard Theory

A pure cortical brain’s mimicry of emotional expression without thalamic involvement would be unaffected.

Difference Between James-Lange Theory and Cannon-Bard Theory

S.No.	Basis	James-Lange Theory	Cannon-Bard Theory
1.	Definition	Sensations occurring in muscles and internal organs in response to a stimulus result in emotional expression.	Thalamus sends impulses to the brain in response to a stimulus, thus resulting in sensation in muscles and internal organs.
2.	Origin	Physiological changes in the body lead to emotions	Thalamus stimulation leads to emotions
3.	Neural Pathway	Object – Sense organs stimulation – brain perception – muscles and the internal organs – physical arousal – brain perception – emotions	Object – neural receptors stimulation – brain and then Thalamus stimulation or direct Thalamus stimulation – brain stimulation – Thalamus excitation – physical and emotional response – direct Thalamus stimulation – physical and emotional arousal (Physical and emotional arousal occur simultaneously)
4.	Context of the Theory	Peripheral Theory of Emotion	Cognitive Theory of Emotion
5.	Dependency on the Cognitive Brain	Emotional experiences dependent on cortical brain activity	Emotional experiences independent of the cortical brain activity
6.	Uniformity in Emotional Response Patterns	Response patterns are uniform for all types of emotions	Emotional responses result in different emotional states or feelings
7.	Manner of Occurrence of Emotion	Emotion precedes its expression	Emotion and its expression occur simultaneously
8.	Type of Brain Circuitry	A long brain-circuitry involved in the release of emotional expressions	A short brain circuitry is involved in the release of emotional expressions
9.	Artificial Emotional Response	The cortical brain’s perception of emotional experiences, even if induced artificially, without the involvement of the Thalamus, serves as a source for discriminating between various emotional feelings	A pure cortical brain’s mimicry of emotional expression without thalamic involvement would be unaffected

Criticisms of Cannon-Bard Theory

I. Physiological Arousal Generates Emotional Feelings

One of the most significant criticisms of the Cannon-Bard Theory is that it assumes that physiological arousal does not cause emotional feelings.

There are a number of studies showcasing that physical responses influence emotions. As per Levenson, Ekman, and colleagues, changing facial expressions stimulate the autonomic nervous system responsible for the emotion-specific activity.

In addition to this, certain researchers claimed that other bodily actions also influence the emotional experience.

Still, others combined cardiovascular, respiratory, electrodermal, facial temperature, and facial movement data in various combinations for each of their studies. These researchers observed different patterns. Further, these patterns caused differentiation between specific emotional feelings like happiness, sadness, fear, and agitation

Besides this, there are even studies showcasing that facial expression generate emotional feelings of fear, sadness, anger, and happiness.

This means that making facial expressions increases emotional feelings. Whereas, preventing expressions reduces feelings.

Further, James postulated that posture is also an important aspect of emotional expression and it causes a change in emotional feelings.

For instance, a slumped posture makes people feel sad whereas an erect posture with clenched fists increases the feelings of anger and disgust.

Likewise, leaning back with hands blocking the face increases feelings of fear and surprise, while sitting upright generates feelings of pride.

II. Too Much Emphasis On Thalamus

Cannon-Bard’s Theory of Emotion gives too much emphasis to the role that the thalamus plays in generating emotions. He does not consider the role that the other parts of the brain play in generating emotions.

Cannon-Bard Theory Quizlet (FAQs)

1. In the cannon-bard theory of emotion, physiological reactions _____ emotional experiences.

Ans: Occur simultaneously with

2. Which of the following describes the cannon-bard theory of emotion?

1. The specific physiological state and cognitive awareness occur simultaneously and independently before a stimulus occurs.
2. Cognitive awareness precedes the physiological state in reaction to a stimulus.
3. The general physiological state and cognitive awareness occur simultaneously and independently in reaction to a stimulus.
4. The physiological state precedes cognitive awareness in reaction to a stimulus.
5. The physiological state precedes cognitive awareness in reaction to a stimulus.
6. The specific physiological state and cognitive awareness occur simultaneously and independently in reaction to a stimulus.

Ans: Option ‘f’

3. Which is the best explanation of the cannon bard theory?

1. Bodily arousal occurs before the emotional response.
2. Emotions arise from learned triggers.
3. Emotion is nothing but a reflexive response based on instincts.
4. Bodily arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously

Ans: Option d

4. What is the correct sequence of events in emotional response according to the cannon-bard theory?

Ans: According to the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, the appraisal of the stimulus event, the reaction towards it, and the feeling of the emotion are independent of each other. This is despite all the three occurring simultaneously.

Thus, the correct sequence of events as per Cannon-Bard Theory of emotions is as follows:

Event

↓

{Cognitive Appraisal, Action (Behavior and Physiology), Feelings} (Occur Simultaneously)

5. What is the Cannon Bard Theory?

Ans: According to the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, the cognitive evaluation of the stimulus event, the resulting behavior, and the corresponding emotion are independent of each other. However, each of them occurs independently of each other despite occurring simultaneously.

Additionally, Cannon-Bard Theory proposes that Thalamus is the region responsible for emotional expression.

That is, Thalamus is prepared for instant and vigorous action, and the processes that get triggered in the Thalamus are the sources of emotional experiences.

6. Which scenario supports the cannon-bard theory of emotion?

1. Tony approaches his friend Juanita, who is walking with her dog. As the dog begins to bark, Tony’s heart races; he thinks about why this is the case and realizes he has a crush on Juanita.
2. Micah wakes up feeling glum. He forces himself to smile from ear to ear and laugh out loud, and then he begins to feel happy.
3. Bethany feels very depressed about her recent break-up with her boyfriend. She slumps down on her couch and cried for an hour straight, and then she begins to feel better.
4. Aaron relaxes in his hammock. Suddenly, he feels an earthquake, causing him to feel afraid; at the same time, his heart beats rapidly, and his palms sweat.

Ans: Option d

7. What is the central question raised by the cannon-bard theory of emotions?

Ans: The central question raised by the Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion was ‘Do bodily responses and emotions occur at the same time?’

8. Which of these statements is correct concerning the cannon-bard theory of emotion?

1. Emotions developed because of their adaptive value
2. Emotion occurs when the brain signals the cortex and the autonomic nervous system at the same time
3. Different patterns of autonomic arousal lead to the experience of the different emotions
4. The experience of emotion depends on the autonomic arousal and one’s interpretation of that arousal

Ans: Option b

9. Which scenario described below provides evidence for the cannon-bard theory of emotion?

1. “Lawrence laughs when he sees his puppy playing with a toy. As he stops laughing, he recognizes that he feels happy.”
2. ‘Viktor is swimming in the ocean when he feels something brush against his legs in the water. He feels a sensation of panic at the same time as his heart starts to pound.’
3. ‘Maria swerves to avoid another car. After she pulls over, she realizes she is breathing hard and sweating. After noticing her physical reaction, she feels fear about her near-accident.”
4. ‘Ananya finds out that her aunt has passed away. She feels a tightening sensation in her chest but is too shocked to identify any emotion.’

Ans: Option b

10. What is the cannon-bard theory? Give an example that illustrates this theory.

Ans: According to the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, the cognitive evaluation of the stimulus event, the resulting behavior, and the corresponding emotion are independent of each other. However, each of them occurs independently of each other despite occurring simultaneously.

Additionally, Cannon-Bard Theory proposes that Thalamus is the region responsible for emotional expression.

That is, Thalamus is prepared for instant and vigorous action, and the processes that get triggered in the Thalamus are the sources of emotional experiences.

The most common example is the fight or flight response that you experience whenever you experience a traumatic event or experience life-threatening situations.

For instance, there is an earthquake in your city. The moment you start feeling the tremors, you realize that it’s an earthquake and at the same time start running towards the door to move out of your apartment.

In this case, your cognition, emotion, and behavior work simultaneously and hence induce you to take the act of running out of the house and saving your life.