From the behaviorist perspective, the reduction in pain that follows taking a placebo is a conditioned response.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to behaviorism, a conditioned response is a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus. In the case of taking a placebo, the neutral stimulus (the pill) becomes associated with the reduction in pain through repeated pairing during previous experiences. As a result, taking the placebo pill becomes a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response (the reduction in pain).

From the Behaviorist Perspective, the Reduction in Pain That Follows