Question 1

Which of the following best describes classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A type of learning in which a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus.

Question 2

In Pavlov's original experiment with dogs, what was the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

Accepted Answer

The meat powder.

Question 3

A child develops a fear of bridges after her father uses scare tactics while crossing one. According to classical conditioning, what is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The bridge.

Question 4

Which process is demonstrated when a dog, after extinction of a conditioned response, suddenly salivates again upon hearing the conditioned stimulus after a period of time?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous recovery.

Question 5

If a person who was conditioned to fear white rats also shows fear to white rabbits and white fur coats, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Stimulus generalization.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'preparedness' in classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A person develops a fear of snakes more easily than a fear of flowers.

Question 7

According to Rescorla's (1978/80) research, what is the most important factor in determining the strength of a conditioned response?

Accepted Answer

The predictability of the CS as a signal for the UCS.

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates evaluative conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A person develops a dislike for a song after hearing it during a stressful event.

Question 9

In the context of classical conditioning, what does the term 'acquisition' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The initial stage of learning a new response.

Question 10

A dog is conditioned to salivate to a tone. Later, a light is paired with the tone, and eventually the dog salivates to the light alone. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Higher-order conditioning.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the 'renewal effect' in classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A conditioned response reappears when the organism is returned to the original learning environment.

Question 12

Which of the following is a violation of the general laws of classical conditioning, as seen in conditioned taste aversion?

Accepted Answer

A long delay (e.g., several hours) between the CS and UCS can still result in conditioning.

Question 13

A person develops a phobia of dogs after being bitten. Later, the fear response weakens after repeated exposure to dogs without any negative consequences. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Extinction.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the basic process of classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

$$ CS + UCS \rightarrow UCR \rightarrow CS \rightarrow CR $$

Question 15

In classical conditioning, what is the main difference between stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Generalization involves responding to a new stimulus as if it were the original CS, while discrimination involves distinguishing between the CS and other stimuli.

Question 16

Which of the following real-world examples best illustrates the process of evaluative conditioning in advertising?

Accepted Answer

Pairing a new brand of perfume (CS) with images of attractive people (UCS) to elicit positive emotional responses (CR) in consumers.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about phobias is most consistent with classical conditioning theory?

Accepted Answer

Phobias are irrational fears that can develop through the pairing of a neutral stimulus with a frightening event.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why some animals are more easily conditioned to fear certain stimuli (e.g., snakes) than others (e.g., flowers)?

Accepted Answer

Preparedness, or species-specific predispositions.

Question 19

A rat is exposed to a tone (CS) that is followed by a shock (UCS) 100% of the time in one group, and 50% of the time in another group. According to Rescorla's findings, which group will show a stronger conditioned response and why?

Accepted Answer

The 100% group, because the CS is a more reliable predictor of the UCS.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of higher-order conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A dog salivates to a bell after it is paired with food, and then salivates to a light that is paired with the bell.

Chapter 6: Classical Conditioning – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards