AP Psychology Practice Test

According to the two-factor theory of emotion, experiencing an emotion requires both physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal. This theory, proposed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer, emphasizes that first, there is a physiological response to a stimulus—for example, increased heart rate or sweating when faced with a stressful situation. Then, the individual must cognitively interpret or label this physiological response in the context of the situation, which ultimately leads to the identification of the specific emotion being felt.

For instance, if you encounter a bear in the woods, your heart might race (physiological arousal). You interpret this response as fear based on the context (cognitive labeling), resulting in the emotional experience of fear. Therefore, both components are necessary to fully experience an emotion, aligning perfectly with the two-factor theory. This dual process distinguishes it from other theories that might emphasize only one aspect, such as physiological responses or emotional memories.