What is the correct sequence of events in an emotional response according to the Cannon-Bard theory?

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion was proposed by physiologists Walter Cannon and Philip Bard in the 1920s. According to this theory, when an emotionally-provoking event occurs, it simultaneously triggers both a physiological response and the subjective experience of an emotion. The sequence of events in an emotional response according to the Cannon-Bard theory is as follows:

1. An emotionally significant event is perceived. 2. The sensory information from the event is sent to the brain. 3. Upon reaching the brain, the information is processed in the thalamus. 4. The thalamus then sends this information simultaneously to two places: the cerebral cortex and the autonomic nervous system. 5. As a result, two things happen at the same time: a. The cerebral cortex processes the information, leading to the conscious experience of emotion. b. The autonomic nervous system initiates the physiological arousal (such as increased heart rate, sweating, etc.).

Note that according to the Cannon-Bard theory, the physiological arousal and the experience of emotion occur simultaneously and independently, not in a sequential order as proposed by earlier theories, such as the James-Lange theory, which suggested that physiological arousal precedes and causes emotional experience.