Final answer:
The Cannon-Bard theory is critiqued for stating that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently, which does not explain the differentiation of emotions or the role of cognitive processing. Alternative models like the James-Lange and Schachter-Singer two-factor theories suggest that our interpretation of arousal and cognitive factors are essential in emotional experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Concerns about the Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
One of the most common concerns about the Cannon-Bard theory is its suggestion that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently. Critics argue that this model does not account for the complexities of cognitive processing in the emotional response. They question how the theory explains the differentiation of emotions since it postulates that the physiological arousal is similar for different emotions. In contrast, theories like the James-Lange theory and the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory propose that our emotions are influenced by our interpretation of the arousal, allowing for a greater variety of emotional experiences. Furthermore, the Cannon-Bard theory does not clearly specify the mechanisms by which emotions are differentiated if the physiological response is the same for different emotions. It is this point that the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory and the Darwinian theory of emotion attempt to address, suggesting that cognitive appraisal and evolutionarily driven behaviors play a significant role in emotion.