Cannon-Bard Theory

See it and react to it

VideoDefinitely Not A Video With A Jump-Scare

What is It?

● The Cannon-Bard Theory states that we have emotional reactions and physical reactions based upon our surroundings simultaneously. This is different from other theories that state our physiological responses occur first followed by the emotional reaction, but we’ll get into that later.

● Basically, there is no cause and effect in these actions since one does not cause the other.

Examples

● You see a bear in the woods---> You become scared, and shake from fear● You see a bear in the city---> you become even more scared and shake like your

grandmother’s shake weight● You hear a noise in your house when you’re home alone---> you become scared and your

heart begins to race● You see a puppy and feel happy/excited● Note that according to the Cannon-Bard Theory, the different actions in each

example happen simultaneously.

How is it related to TOK?

Relation to Knowledge through Sense Perception● The concepts that revolve around the selectivity of perception claim that one’s own cultural

background and influences can greatly impact the way in which that individual perceives the world through the senses○ From this, it could be assumed that different people (according to their cultural

background and experiential knowledge) portray different physical responses to the same event/idea as someone else, but this is false.

● Tying the concept of physical communication into Knowledge through Language○ “Physical communication” = body language ○ Although we may show the same feeling (through facial expressions, etc.) in different

ways, we all generally express the same facial features when demonstrating one of the 6 primary emotions

○ Emotional expression is cross-cultural

Limitations

● Cannon and Bard incorrectly assumed that bodily responses have no influence on emotion

● Used animal and case studies which can be determined unreliable● Over-estimated function of thalamus, which is (there are other parts of the brain

involved in emotions).

Alternate claims

● James-Lange Theory○ Introduced in 1887○ Emotion is the effect caused by the bodily response provoked by the event, not by the

perception of the event. ■ Increased heartbeat■ Tremor■ Shortness of breath■ perspiration

○ Most prominent theory of emotion until Cannon-Bard Theory○ Proven by examples such as panic disorders and some phobias○ Widely discounted by modern researchers

Quizlet Live

Link: https://quizlet.com/249840372/live

Ethan’s research (just info - not finalized slide)I. James-Lange Theory of Emotion (came first - advanced at the end of the 19th century)

A. We see a bear and run1. Because we run we experience fear; no the other way around

B. Basically…1. Physical reac on → Emo on occurs

II. The Cannon-Bard Theory (came second - advanced in the 1920’s)A. Proposed as an alternate theory in response to the James-Lange theory of emotion; turned the James Lange theory “on its head”

1. Created by Walter Cannon and Philip Barda) Instead of emotion being caused by physical reaction, they argued that emotion was the cause of physical reaction

B. Connecting back to the bear example1. Instead of experiencing fear because we run, Cannon-Bard argues that we run because we experience fear

C. Basically…1. Emo on occurs → Physical reac on

D. Common societal idea that connects to this theory 1. The concepts that characterize the Cannon-Bard theory are similar to the ideas that the general society has about emotion (currently). We commonly understand

emotion and how it works in a similar way that Cannon and Bard thought. a) It is generally considered a healthy response to run away from bears (duh)

E. GOOGLE DOC WITH RESEARCH: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LJqf7CH7zm8MNhhRT63sIDuUfdrXpVhY0WC1hOR3WNc/edit?usp=sharing

Sources

https://www.psychologynoteshq.com/cannon-bard-theory-of-emotion/https://explorable.com/cannon-bard-theory-of-emotionhttps://www.slideshare.net/Hasnain1991/cannon-brad-theory-of-emotionhttps://study.com/academy/lesson/james-lange-cannon-bard-theories-of-emotion.html