Question

According to the view of emotions as a process, _____ initiate(s) the process by which emotions are elicited. a. emotional responses b. expressive changes c. physiological changes d. appraisal

Short answer

Appraisal initiates the emotion process.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the question

We need to determine which option (a, b, c, or d) is responsible for initiating the emotion elicitation process. This requires an understanding of how emotions are typically initiated according to theories on emotion.

Analyzing options

Let's examine each option closely: a. Emotional responses are reactions to emotions, not initiators. b. Expressive changes occur after an emotion has been elicited. c. Physiological changes are typically responses that occur after an emotion is triggered. d. Appraisal suggests an initial assessment or evaluation of a situation, which fits the role of initiating emotional responses.

Identifying the initiator

From the analysis, appraisal is known as the cognitive process that evaluates and interprets stimuli, often leading to the elicitation of emotion. This makes it the initiator of the emotional process.

Conclusion

Given that appraisal is responsible for evaluating stimuli and therefore initiating the emotion process, it is the correct answer to this question.

Key concepts

Appraisal Theory

Appraisal theory is a fascinating concept in psychology that helps us understand how emotions are triggered and shaped. It explains that our emotions begin with an appraisal, which is essentially our evaluation or judgment of a situation or stimulus. This cognitive assessment is the first step in the emotion process.
The way we perceive and interpret an event significantly influences the emotions we experience. If you face a barking dog, you'll first assess whether it is dangerous or not.
This initial judgment or appraisal is what determines whether you feel fear, caution, or maybe amusement.

• Appraisals are highly subjective. Two individuals can react differently to the same situation due to their distinct interpretations.
• Appraisal can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural norms, and situational context.

Understanding this theory enhances knowledge about why people might react differently in similar situations and highlights the importance of perception in emotional experiences.

Cognitive Evaluation

Cognitive evaluation is a critical part of our emotional processes. It involves the mental assessment we make about the situation we are in. This evaluation is complex and comprises multiple dimensions such as the significance of the event, our ability to cope with it, and its implications for personal goals or well-being.
Such evaluations happen rapidly, often without conscious effort, and play a major role in shaping our emotional responses. For example, how do you assess a friend's success when it feels like you're not progressing?
You might feel jealousy or inspiration depending on your cognitive evaluation.

• Evaluations can either be conscious or unconscious, relying on past experiences and current mood conditions.
• The outcomes of these evaluations directly influence the type of emotion and its intensity.

Cognitive evaluation highlights how our thoughts and perceptions are intertwined with our emotional life, providing insights into how emotions can sometimes be managed or altered by changing our evaluative thoughts.

Emotional Elicitation

Emotional elicitation refers to the process through which emotions are triggered. As outlined by appraisal theory, emotions begin their journey with cognitive evaluation during appraisal, but how are they ultimately brought to life? Emotional elicitation explains this activation.
Various factors contribute to eliciting emotions, such as personal events, interactions with others, or even changes in the environment.
These stimuli are processed through appraisals, leading to emotional experiences.

• Emotional elicitation is not just about external events. Internal thoughts, memories, or physiological states can also serve as triggers.
• The nature and intensity of the elicited emotion can vary greatly depending on individual appraisals and cognitive evaluations.

Exploring emotional elicitation provides valuable insight into the underlying triggers of our emotional responses, emphasizing their diverse causes and the intricate processes governing our emotional lives.