In classical conditioning, the learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus is called the:

• A. unconditioned stimulus
• B. conditioned stimulus
• C. unconditioned response
• D. conditioned response

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms in classical conditioning. The unconditioned stimulus (US) naturally triggers a response without prior learning, while the unconditioned response (UR) is the automatic reaction to the US.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the conditioned stimulus (CS) is originally a neutral stimulus that, after being paired repeatedly with the unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a response.
3. Step 3: Identify that the learned reaction to the conditioned stimulus is called the conditioned response (CR). This response occurs after conditioning has taken place.
4. Step 4: Differentiate between the unconditioned response and the conditioned response by noting that the former is natural and unlearned, while the latter is learned through association.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct term for the learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus (now the conditioned stimulus) is the conditioned response.