Individuals being treated for cancer may develop nausea when they arrive at the place where they have been receiving chemotherapy. In this case, the conditioned stimulus is ________.
A) chemotherapy
B) nausea
C) the place where therapy takes place
D) avoidance by canceling the appointment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conditioned stimulus (CS) is the place where therapy takes place. This is because the development of nausea in response to being in that place (even before receiving chemotherapy) shows that this place has become associated with nausea through classical conditioning. The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is chemotherapy, which naturally causes nausea as an unlearned response. The conditioned response (CR) is the nausea that is now elicited by the previously neutral CS of the place where therapy takes place. Choice A (chemotherapy) and B (nausea) are incorrect because they are the UCS and CR respectively, and not the CS. Choice D (avoidance by canceling the appointment) is not a component of classical conditioning.

Individuals Being Treated for Cancer May Develop Nausea When They