In classical conditioning, the term neutral is used to indicate that a stimulus:
A) can never be capable of causing a response.
B) is reinforcing for the subject.
C) does not initially elicit a response.
D) cannot be detected by the subject.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In classical conditioning, the neutral stimulus is one that does not initially elicit a response. Through association with an unconditioned stimulus, it can eventually become a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response. Option A is incorrect because a neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus and trigger a response. Option B is incorrect because reinforcing stimuli are not neutral but rather already have a known effect on the subject. Option D is incorrect because the presence or absence of detection is not related to whether a stimulus is neutral or conditioned.

In Classical Conditioning, the Term Neutral Is Used to Indicate