For higher-order conditioning to occur, a new neutral stimulus must be paired with what?

• A. A conditioned stimulus.
• B. Another neutral stimulus.
• C. An unconditioned stimulus.
• D. An extinct stimulus.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of higher-order conditioning: It is a form of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by being paired with an already established conditioned stimulus.
2. Identify the role of a conditioned stimulus: In classical conditioning, a conditioned stimulus is a previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response.
3. Recognize the process of pairing: For higher-order conditioning, the new neutral stimulus must be paired with the conditioned stimulus, not with an unconditioned stimulus or an extinct stimulus.
4. Differentiate between the types of stimuli: A neutral stimulus is one that initially does not elicit any intrinsic response, while an unconditioned stimulus naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.
5. Apply the concept: In higher-order conditioning, the new neutral stimulus is paired with the conditioned stimulus to eventually elicit the conditioned response, thus becoming a new conditioned stimulus itself.