In classical conditioning, which of the following best describes an unconditioned response?

• A. A response that is triggered by a neutral stimulus before conditioning
• B. A learned reaction that occurs only after repeated pairings of two stimuli
• C. A behavior that is consciously controlled and chosen by the individual
• D. A natural, automatic reaction to a stimulus that occurs without prior learning

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of classical conditioning, which involves learning through association between two stimuli.
2. Identify the key terms: an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) naturally triggers an unconditioned response (UCR) without any prior learning.
3. Recognize that an unconditioned response is an automatic, natural reaction to the unconditioned stimulus, not something learned or controlled.
4. Differentiate the unconditioned response from a conditioned response, which is learned after repeated pairings of a neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
5. Conclude that the unconditioned response is the natural, automatic reaction to a stimulus that occurs without prior learning.