Questions
1. Compare and contrast the psychotherapeutic approach and the physiological approach to emotions
2. Think about positive and negative emotions with regard to evolution. We know that evolution is all about fitness. That is, human characteristics (whether physiological, emotional, or behavioral) have evolved over time to allow for the most "fit" humans to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.
After thinking about this, answer this question: why are there so few "neutral" (i.e., neither positive nor negatively valenced) emotions? Explain this thoroughly using what you've learned from the readings and lecture material from class.
3. From extra reading: "Cultural Models of Shame and Guilt" by Wong & Tsai.
• Explain the ways in which the Japanese and the U.S. culture differ with regard to the (a) elicitors, (b) behavioral consequences, and (c) valuation of BOTH shame and guilt.
From the Tracy and Matsumoto reading "Spontaneous Expression of Pride and Shame".
• 4. Discuss the evidence consistent with the notion that behavioral expressions associated with certain emotions are innate. Don't forget to discuss the role of culture (if any) with regard to this phenomenon. Use the findings from the article "The Spontaneous Expression of Pride and Shame" to illustrate your point.
From Ohman, Flykt, and Esteves reading "Emotion Drives Attention: Detecting the Snake in the Grass".
• 5. What do the findings of the "Emotion Drives Attention: Detecting the Snake in the Grass" article say about the idea of Emotion Congruence from lecture? For instance, doe the results support or conflict with Emotion Congruence? And, how so?