In a study designed to improve immune system functioning of rats, a researcher pairs a drug that strengthens the immune system with sweet water. After several trials, the drug is removed, but when the rats consume only the sweetened water, their immune system functioning improves. This example demonstrates a potentially important application of
A)the use of negative reinforcement
B)the principles of classical conditioning
C)the principles of operant conditioning
D)evidence of stimulus generalization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The example illustrates classical conditioning, where the sweet water (initially a neutral stimulus) becomes associated with the immune-strengthening drug (unconditioned stimulus), leading to an improved immune response (conditioned response) even in the absence of the drug when the rats consume the sweet water.

In a Study Designed to Improve Immune System Functioning of Rats