Final answer:
Emotions in cognitive learning theory are complex experiences composed of physiological arousal, cognitive appraisal, and subjective feelings, with various models addressing the connections and order of these components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emotions in Cognitive Learning Theory
Emotions within the context of cognitive learning theory are multimodal experiences, involving a blend of physiological arousal, cognitive appraisal, and subjective experiences. This area of study posits that our emotional responses are deeply intertwined with our cognitive processes. One example is the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, which suggests that emotions are the result of physiological arousal and the cognitive labels we assign based on context. Similarly, Lazarus put forth the cognitive-mediational theory implying that our appraisal of a stimulus immediately and unconsciously determines our emotions, influencing the emotional response that follows.
Various models in cognitive learning theory address different aspects of emotions. For instance, Zajonc focuses on the independence of some emotions from cognitive interpretation, suggesting an innate, immediate response to stimuli. LeDoux's research points to certain emotions bypassing conscious thought altogether, representing a non-cognitive route through the quick signal from the thalamus to the amygdala. The work of Barrett suggests a constructivist approach, proposing that emotions are predictive constructions from our brain that result from our past experiences and current context.
As we can see, there are multiple lenses through which cognitive learning theory views emotions, encompassing physiological reactions, cognitive assessments, and learned experiences. However, it's clear that emotions in this framework are not considered as standalone reactions but as outcomes of complex, often intertwined, processes involving both the brain and the body.