The proposal that we experience emotion first with physical arousal (e.g., increased heart rate, shaky hands), which then leads to awareness of the emotion, is the basis of the

• A. cognitive arousal theory.
• B. common sense theory of emotion.
• C. James-Lange theory of emotion.
• D. Cannon-Bard theory of emotion.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key components of the problem: the sequence of experiencing emotion and physical arousal.
2. Understand the James-Lange theory of emotion, which posits that physiological arousal occurs first, followed by the emotional experience.
3. Differentiate between the James-Lange theory and other theories of emotion, such as the Cannon-Bard theory, which suggests that emotion and physiological responses occur simultaneously.
4. Consider the role of cognitive processes in the experience of emotion, as suggested by cognitive arousal theories, which involve interpretation of arousal before experiencing emotion.
5. Review the common sense theory of emotion, which typically suggests that we first experience emotion, which then leads to physiological responses, contrasting with the James-Lange theory.