After extinction, a conditioned response may reappear when the conditioned stimulus is presented again after some time. What is this phenomenon?

• A. Stimulus generalization.
• B. Stimulus discrimination.
• C. Spontaneous recovery.
• D. Higher-order conditioning.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of 'extinction' in classical conditioning, which occurs when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US), leading to a decrease in the conditioned response (CR).
2. Recognize that 'spontaneous recovery' is a phenomenon where the conditioned response reappears after a period of rest following extinction, when the conditioned stimulus is presented again.
3. Differentiate 'spontaneous recovery' from other concepts such as 'stimulus generalization', where a response is elicited by stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus, and 'stimulus discrimination', where the response is specific to the conditioned stimulus.
4. Understand that 'higher-order conditioning' involves a neutral stimulus becoming a conditioned stimulus by being paired with an already established conditioned stimulus, which is different from spontaneous recovery.
5. Conclude that the reappearance of the conditioned response after extinction and a rest period, upon re-presentation of the conditioned stimulus, is specifically referred to as 'spontaneous recovery'.