Final answer:
Cognitive interpretations of change in emotion involve our thoughts and beliefs shaping our emotional experiences. Lazarus' cognitive-mediational theory and the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory provide different explanations for how cognitive processes influence emotions. Zajonc and LeDoux's research suggests that some emotions can occur prior to or separately from cognitive interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive interpretations of change in emotion refer to the role that our thoughts and beliefs play in shaping our emotional experiences. According to Lazarus' cognitive-mediational theory, our emotions are determined by our appraisal of a stimulus, which occurs before we label the emotion. For example, if we appraise a situation as threatening, we may experience fear.
Another theory, the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, suggests that our physiological arousal receives cognitive labels based on the context, and these labels combine with physiological arousal to create an emotional experience. For instance, when we are in a thrilling situation, we may interpret our increased heart rate as excitement.
Further research by Zajonc and LeDoux suggests that some emotions can occur prior to or separately from our cognitive interpretation. This is seen in immediate emotional responses to stimuli like unexpected loud sounds or innate fears, which bypass contextual interpretation and involve brain structures like the amygdala.