Ahmen adopts a dog from the local animal shelter.When Ahmen's mother comes home that day,she runs to the dog to pet her,but the dog cowers and puts her tail between her legs.The dog continues to exhibit this response whenever Ahmen's mother approaches her.Eventually,after several weeks,the dog cowers less until finally,Ahmen's mother is able to pet the dog.What the dog has learned is that Ahmen's mother will not harm her; therefore,her response decreases with time.This is an example of:

Question

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The decrease in the dog's response over time indicates that this is a case of extinction. The dog has learned that Ahmen's mother is not a threat, and therefore, the fear response decreases through repeated exposure to her presence without any harm or punishment. Reward/punishment, tabula rosa, and habituation do not fully explain this scenario.

Ahmen Adopts a Dog from the Local Animal Shelter