Samantha is angry she received a low exam grade because she attributed the grade to an unfair test. Brenda is depressed from receiving a low exam grade because she attributed the grade to a low intelligence level. These examples best illustrate that emotions are influenced by:"

Answer: Cognitive appraisals

Explanation:

Cognitive appraisal is the method through which a person tends to interpret any particular situation in such a manner that perception or view about that situation becomes stressing

According to the question, Samantha and Brenda are indulged in cognitive appraisal as they are attributing low grade in exam to unfair test or low intelligence level. They have perceived the exam situation to be stressful as per their interpretation.