1. The James-Lange Theory THE FEELING OF EMOTION
William James
The James-Lange Theory
THE FEELING OF EMOTION

2. Perception Emotion Reaction Common Sense View of Emotion
What is an emotion?
Common Sense View of Emotion
“Common sense says we lose our fortune, are sorry and weep; we meet a bear, are frightened and run; we are insulted by a rival, are angry and strike.”
-William James
Perception
“I see a bear”
Emotion
“I am afraid”
Reaction
“RUN!”

3. “hmm…I guess I am afraid.”
What is an emotion?
James-Lange Theory
“Bodily changes follow directly the PERCEPTION of the exciting fact, and our feeling of the same changes as they occur IS the emotion.”
-William James
Perception
“I see a bear”
Reaction
“RUN!”
Emotion
“hmm…I guess I am afraid.”

5. What is a bodily reaction?
Action (expression or instrumental)
Feeling (physiological arousal)

6. How can you have an emotion without feeling?
Without the bodily states…[an emotion] would be purely cognitive in form, pale, colourless, destitute of emotional warmth. We might then see a bear, and judge it best to run, receive the insult and deem it right to strike, but we could not actually feel afraid or angry.”
James supported his hypothesis with George Hohmann (1966) study of spinal injury patients

7. Polygraph Measures bodily arousal Identifying Lies Relevant Question
Control Question