Two students, Edward and Edwina, serve as subjects in a conditioning experiment. The CS is a buzzer; the US is a mild electric shock; the UR is a change in the electrical conductivity of their skin called the Galvanic Skin Response. Both subjects undergo 50 trials, but the experimenter feels sorry for Edwina so periodically he lets her off without a shock. The results will indicate that _______
A) the CR is stronger in Edward
B) the CR is stronger in Edwina
C) there is no difference in the CRs produced by Edward and Edwina
D) Edward salivates at the sight of Edwina

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The CR (conditioned response) is stronger in Edward because consistent pairing of the CS (conditioned stimulus) and the US (unconditioned stimulus) leads to a stronger association and thus a stronger conditioned response. Edwina's inconsistent pairing (due to being occasionally let off the shock) would result in a weaker association.

Two Students, Edward and Edwina, Serve as Subjects in a Conditioning