Final answer:
According to the James-Lange theory of emotions, Ed's physiological response precedes his emotional experience when meeting his boss for the first time.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the James-Lange theory of emotions, the correct answer to which of the following precedes an emotion in a scenario where Ed meets his boss for the first time is: a) Ed's physiological response (e.g., increased heart rate). This theory posits that emotions arise from physiological arousal, meaning that one would experience the associated emotion after the physiological reaction has occurred. For instance, if Ed's heart rate increases upon meeting his boss, according to the James-Lange theory,
Ed would then interpret these physiological changes as feeling anxious. This is in contrast to other theories like the Cannon-Bard theory, which suggests that physiological responses and emotional experiences occur simultaneously, or the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, which proposes that physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal together result in the emotional experience. It's important to note that while the James-Lange theory highlights the primacy of physiological arousal, subsequent research and alternative theories suggest cognition plays a significant role in the experience of emotion.