What does the Schachter-Singer theory suggest is necessary for emotional response?

The Schachter-Singer theory, also known as the two-factor theory of emotion, posits that an emotional response is a result of two interrelated processes: physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal of the situation. According to this theory, when an individual experiences physiological arousal, they then seek to identify the source of that arousal by interpreting the context or recognizing situational cues.

This cognitive appraisal is crucial because it allows the individual to label their arousal and thus experience it as a specific emotion. For example, if someone's heart is racing in the presence of a bear, they would appraise the situation and label their emotion as fear, whereas in a different context, such as watching a thrilling movie, they might label the same physiological response as excitement.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of situational cues are necessary components for producing an emotional response, illustrating the interplay between body and mind in how we experience emotions.