Final answer:
Secondary emotions are characterized by greater cognitive appraisal when compared to basic emotions, as they require interpretation of the situation and context to form the emotional experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In comparison to the basic emotions, secondary emotions involve greater cognitive appraisal. This is because secondary emotions tend to be more complex, often arising from the interpretation of a situation rather than being a direct physiological response. Theorists like Schachter and Singer highlight that while physiological arousal may be similar across different emotions, it's the cognitive appraisal or interpretation of that arousal in context that defines the emotional experience. Magda Arnold and Lazarus support the notion that cognitive appraisal is integral in forming our emotional reactions and distinguishing between different emotions.