Schachter's Two Factor Theory

Motivation is a drive that directs behaviour (Weiten, 2013). While, emotion is made up of three components, mainly cognitive, physiological and behavioural (Weiten, 2013). The cognitive component is the subjective and conscious experience which is characterized by bodily arousal (the physiological component) and outward expressions (the behavioural component) (Weiten, 2013).

In this journal log, I will be mentioning about the following processes, drive theories, incentive theories and the Schachter’s two-factor theory.

1) Drive Theories

Clark Hull began to develop drive reduction theory in the 1940s and 1950s (Weiten, 2013). This theory is based on the concept of homeostasis. Homeostasis is the maintenance or regulation of internal physiological

While, an external goal that encourages someone to behave in a certain way is an incentive (Weiten, 2013). Incentives can be monetary or non-monetary. The incentive theory is common in the Singapore education system where the government give incentive rewards to students who do well in both academic and non-academic areas. An example is the Eagles Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service, which is also known as the EAGLES Award. This award is given to a maximum of 10% Singaporeans students who have contributed actively to community services, displayed good leadership and excellence in co-curricular activities. The value of the award varies according to the level of education from Primary 4 to Institute of Technical Education (from $250 to $500). As such, students are encouraged to work harder and achieve better results in academic and non-academic areas. On the other hand, students who did not receive the award will strive to do better. The example of I have just given is an example of monetary incentives. While, an example of non-monetary incentive is when you have done all the household chores and your mother praises you. In addition, the source of motivation for the incentive theory is external, in the environment (Weiten, 2013). In conclusion, the incentive theory can be applied in several fields and

As a result, people experience emotions based on how one interprets the arousal (Weiten, 2013). Furthermore, Schachter agreed with the James-Lange theory that physiological arousal occurs first followed by the interpretation of that arousal (Weiten, 2013). On the other hand, Schachter also agreed with the Cannon-Bard theory that varying emotions yield patterns of autonomic arousal that are largely not distinguishable (Weiten, 2013). Thus, the Schachter’s two-factor theory built on James-Lange theory by adding the factor of interpretation of the arousal, which is also known as appraisal and labelling (Weiten, 2013). For instance, I am walking back home at night alone. Out of the blue, a suspicious looking man (stimulus) was following me. I began to tremble and my heart was beating furiously (physiological arousal). I then realise that it was because I was alone and it was at night. Thus, I label my trembling and furiously beating heart as fear (emotion) because I appraise the situation as dangerous. Hence, the use of the Schachter’s two-factor theory in everyday life is