In classical conditioning, when a previously conditioned response decreases and eventually disappears after the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, this process is called:

• A. Acquisition
• B. Extinction
• C. Spontaneous recovery
• D. Generalization

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in classical conditioning: the conditioned stimulus (CS) is a previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the unconditioned stimulus (US), elicits a conditioned response (CR).
2. Recognize that acquisition is the initial learning phase where the CS is paired with the US, leading to the CR.
3. Identify that extinction occurs when the CS is repeatedly presented without the US, causing the CR to weaken and eventually disappear.
4. Note that spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of the CR after a rest period following extinction.
5. Understand that generalization is when stimuli similar to the CS also elicit the CR, not the disappearance of the response.