Which of the following statements about classical conditioning is accurate?

• A. Classical conditioning primarily explains involuntary, automatic responses rather than voluntary behaviors.
• B. Classical conditioning is more effective than operant conditioning at explaining voluntary behaviors.
• C. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are equally effective at explaining voluntary behaviors.
• D. Classical conditioning only occurs in humans and not in animals.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a learning process that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit an involuntary, automatic response.
2. Step 2: Recognize that classical conditioning primarily deals with reflexive or automatic responses, such as salivating when smelling food, rather than voluntary behaviors that are consciously controlled.
3. Step 3: Compare classical conditioning with operant conditioning. Operant conditioning explains voluntary behaviors through reinforcement and punishment, whereas classical conditioning explains involuntary responses.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statements given in the problem by matching them against the core principles of classical conditioning, focusing on whether they describe involuntary or voluntary behaviors and whether the process applies to humans, animals, or both.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the accurate statement is the one that correctly identifies classical conditioning as primarily explaining involuntary, automatic responses rather than voluntary behaviors.