Question

An experimenter shows that individuals can be made to experience emotions by direct stimulation of heart activity and respiration. Depending on the pattern of this stimulation, different emotions are experienced. Which theory of emotion would best be supported by the above evidence?

Answer 1

The theory that would be best supported by the evidence is the James-Lange theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

This theory was proposed by psychologist William James and physiologist Carl Lange. According to the James-Lange theory, we experience emotions because of the physiological reactions we have to events. The environment offers a stimulus that causes a certain physiological response - for instance, rapid breathing and accelerated heartbeat. We then interpret those physiological responses as an emotion. Therefore, this theory theory supports the idea that by stimulating heart activity and respiration, we can make a person experience different emotions.