In classical conditioning, a stimulus that produces a response without prior learning is called a(n):

• A. Neutral stimulus
• B. Unconditioned stimulus
• C. Conditioned stimulus
• D. Discriminative stimulus

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in classical conditioning: a stimulus is any event or object in the environment that can elicit a response.
2. Identify what an unconditioned stimulus (US) is: it is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any prior learning or conditioning.
3. Recognize that a neutral stimulus (NS) initially does not produce the response of interest until it is paired with the unconditioned stimulus.
4. Know that a conditioned stimulus (CS) is a previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with the unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.
5. Understand that a discriminative stimulus signals the availability of reinforcement or punishment but is not directly involved in eliciting the unconditioned response.