Some psychologists have suggested that the function of emotions is to motivate the organism. What do you think this means? Illustrate your points with examples
What will be an ideal response?
It's hard to think of any explanation for why we have emotions unless it's to motivate behavior. Darwin believed emotions have adaptive value, that is, that they promote survival. For example, fear would help an organism to avoid danger.
When emotions are experienced, autonomic arousal occurs, probably for the purpose of preparing the body to respond to whatever stimuli led to the emotion's being activated. This also suggests that the purpose of emotion is to motivate. Schachter's two-factor theory suggests that environmental cues influence one's interpretation of the autonomic arousal being experienced so that particular labels are applied to emotional experiences. We then behave in accordance with the label. This also implies that the mechanism of emotion operates for the purpose of guiding behavior in particular directions.
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Which of the following would NOT be considered a form of alternative medicine?
a) massage b) homeopathy c) taking vitamin C to treat scurvy d) joining a self-help group to try to lose weight
Which of the following is true regarding a person who has had a heart attack?
A) Those with an attitude of stoic acceptance are least likely to have a second heart attack. B) The majority of people over the age of 75 will die from their first heart attack. C) Those who do not go through Kübler-Ross's stages of dying are not likely to have a second heart attack. D) Those who live alone are more likely to have a second heart attack than those who live with someone else.