Emotion - AP Psychology

  1. Which brain structure is primarily associated with fear?
    The amygdala. The brain's fear center.
  2. What is the primary function of mirror neurons in emotion?
    Mirror neurons are involved in empathy and understanding others' emotions. Help us feel what others feel.
  3. What is 'emotional resilience'?
    Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations. Bouncing back from emotional challenges.
  4. Identify the primary function of the hypothalamus in emotion.
    The hypothalamus regulates emotional responses and homeostasis. Controls the body's emotional and survival responses.
  5. Describe the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory of emotion.
    Emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive labeling. We interpret physical arousal with context clues.
  6. What does the Cannon-Bard theory propose about emotion?
    Emotion and physiological responses occur simultaneously. Both happen at once, not one causing the other.
  7. What is the facial feedback hypothesis?
    Facial expressions can influence emotional experiences. Smiling can actually make you feel happier.
  8. Define 'emotional contagion.'
    Emotional contagion is the phenomenon of sharing and catching emotions. Emotions spread from person to person automatically.
  9. What is the role of the amygdala in emotion?
    The amygdala processes emotional reactions, especially fear. The brain's alarm system for threats.
  10. Define the concept of 'emotional regulation.'
    Emotional regulation involves strategies to influence one's emotional experience. Managing how you feel and express emotions.
  11. What is the concept of 'emotional labor'?
    Emotional labor involves managing emotions in professional settings. Controlling emotions as part of your job.
  12. What is the primary focus of positive psychology?
    Positive psychology focuses on well-being and positive emotions. Studies what makes life worth living.
  13. What is an example of a physiological response to emotion?
    Increased heart rate. How the body shows emotional activation.
  14. What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?
    Emotion is the result of physiological responses to stimuli. We feel emotions because our body reacts first.
  15. What is the relationship between emotion and motivation?
    Emotions can drive behavior and influence motivation. Emotions energize and direct our actions.
  16. What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in emotion?
    The prefrontal cortex is involved in regulating emotions. Controls and manages emotional responses.
  17. What is the main idea behind the opponent-process theory of emotion?
    Emotions are paired, and the presence of one suppresses its opposite. Like happiness-sadness balancing each other out.
  18. What is the main effect of serotonin on mood?
    Serotonin helps regulate mood and is linked to well-being. Low levels linked to depression and sadness.
  19. What is the Yerkes-Dodson Law?
    Optimal performance occurs at moderate levels of arousal. Too little or too much arousal hurts performance.
  20. What is the impact of chronic stress on emotion?
    Chronic stress can lead to emotional exhaustion. Burnout from prolonged emotional strain.
  21. Identify a tool used to measure emotional intelligence.
    The Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i). A popular assessment of emotional skills.
  22. Identify the emotion primarily associated with the hormone oxytocin.
    Oxytocin is associated with bonding and trust. The 'love hormone' for social connection.
  23. List Ekman's six basic emotions.
    Happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise. The core emotions recognized worldwide.
  24. What does the term 'affect' refer to in psychology?
    Affect refers to the experience of feeling or emotion. The observable expression of emotion.
  25. What is Ekman's theory regarding basic emotions?
    Ekman proposed six basic emotions with universal facial expressions. These emotions look the same across all cultures.
  26. Define 'alexithymia.'
    Alexithymia is difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. Being emotionally numb or disconnected.
  27. Identify a physiological marker of stress.
    Increased cortisol levels. The stress hormone that rises during pressure.
  28. Which neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reward?
    Dopamine. The 'feel good' brain chemical.
  29. Define emotional intelligence.
    Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions. Skills for handling emotions effectively.
  30. How does the limbic system relate to emotion?
    The limbic system is involved in emotional processing. The brain's emotional processing center.
  31. Which emotion is primarily associated with the hormone adrenaline?
    Fear and excitement. The fight-or-flight hormone for intense emotions.
  32. What is the difference between mood and emotion?
    Mood is longer-lasting and less intense than emotion. Emotions are brief; moods linger longer.
  33. What is the effect of high levels of arousal on performance?
    High arousal can impair performance on complex tasks. Too much stress overwhelms thinking ability.
  34. What is the role of the insula in emotion?
    The insula processes emotions related to bodily states. Connects physical sensations to emotions.
  35. What role does the autonomic nervous system play in emotion?
    It regulates physiological responses to emotional stimuli. Controls automatic body responses to feelings.
  36. What is the main focus of the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions?
    Positive emotions broaden thinking and build resources. Good feelings expand creativity and growth.
  37. Define 'empathy.'
    Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Feeling with others, not just for them.
  38. What is the polygraph test based on?
    The polygraph measures physiological responses to detect deception. Assumes lying causes detectable body changes.
  39. Define catharsis in the context of emotion.
    Catharsis is the release of emotional tension. Releasing pent-up feelings for relief.

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