Which type of emotional response involves direct physical manifestations, such as sweating or shaking?

The correct choice highlights the autonomic response, which refers to the automatic, physiological reactions that occur in response to emotional stimuli. These reactions are governed by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. When a person experiences strong emotions such as fear or anxiety, the body can react with visible physical manifestations. This includes sweating, shaking, an increased heart rate, and other changes that prepare the body to respond to perceived threats, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response.

Behavioral responses typically encompass observable actions or reactions that an individual may exhibit in response to an emotion, such as crying or shouting, but do not inherently involve physiological changes. Cognitive responses pertain to thought processes and interpretations of emotional experiences, focusing more on how an individual thinks about their feelings rather than how their body reacts physically. Hormonal responses involve the release of hormones that can influence mood and emotional reactions, but they are not directly tied to the immediate physical manifestations like sweating or shaking. Thus, autonomic responses are specifically characterized by their rapid and involuntary nature, leading to the direct physical responses observed.