Final answer:
The Cannon-Bard theory queries how physiological responses correlate with emotional experiences, asserting simultaneous yet independent occurrence. It contrasts with theories like James-Lange, which sees emotion as following physiological changes, and Schachter-Singer, which includes cognitive appraisal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cannon-Bard theory raises the question: How do physiological responses relate to emotional experiences? According to the Cannon-Bard theory, physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently. This theory suggests that when a person encounters an emotionally charged event, such as seeing a venomous snake, the person experiences fear at the exact same moment that their body triggers a fight or flight response. The emotion of fear is not a consequence of the physiological changes; rather, both the emotional and physiological responses happen concurrently. This stands in contrast to other theories like the James-Lange theory, which posits that emotional experience is a result of physiological changes, and the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, which adds a cognitive component that interprets physiological arousal within context to produce emotion.