When Kayla was only six years old, her older brother hid in her closet, then unexpectedly jumped out and grabbed her when she came into her dark bedroom. Kayla is still frightened in dark places, even as an adult. Based on principles of classical conditioning, what term describes the experience of being grabbed unexpectedly by her brother?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experience of being grabbed unexpectedly by her brother would be considered an unconditioned stimulus because it was a naturally occurring event that elicited a fear response in Kayla. Classical conditioning occurs when this unconditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus (e.g., the dark bedroom), leading to a conditioned response (i.e., fear in response to the previously neutral stimulus).

When Kayla Was Only Six Years Old, Her Older Brother