For years, Sylvester the cat has been fed canned tuna that has been opened with an electric can opener. Now Sylvester races into the kitchen every time he hears the can opener. What is the unconditioned stimulus in this example?
A) the sound of the can opener
B) Sylvester's owner
C) food other than his
D) the tuna

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unconditioned stimulus is the tuna because it is a stimulus that naturally elicits a response (hunger) without any prior conditioning. Sylvester's response of racing into the kitchen is the unconditioned response. The sound of the can opener and the association with feeding the tuna is the conditioned stimulus and response.

For Years, Sylvester the Cat Has Been Fed Canned Tuna