The process by which some stimuli, such as snakes, serve readily as conditioned stimuli for certain responses, such as fear in humans, is called ________.
A) the diathesis-stress model
B) mental set
C) response acquisition
D) preparedness

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process described in the question is known as preparedness. Preparedness refers to the biological predisposition of certain stimuli, such as snakes, to serve readily as conditioned stimuli for certain responses, such as fear in humans. This is because humans may have an evolutionary history of being threatened by such stimuli, making them more easily associated with fear.

The Process by Which Some Stimuli, Such as Snakes, Serve