In order to feed her cat, Eva has to open the kitchen drawer. Now whenever Eva opens the kitchen drawer-even if she's getting something other than cat food-her cat comes running in and starts meowing loudly while circling its food bowl. In this situation, what was MOST likely the unconditioned stimulus that set up this learning process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unconditioned stimulus is the cat food because it naturally (without prior learning) causes the cat to come running and meow, indicating it wants to eat. The cat's response to the sound of the kitchen drawer opening (a conditioned stimulus) developed through association with the unconditioned stimulus (the cat food).

In Order to Feed Her Cat, Eva Has to Open