Dean believes that his black suit is a bad omen because he had an accident the last time he wore it. In this scenario, Dean's belief illustrates the _____ theory of conditioning.
A) compensatory response
B) preparatory response
C) stimulus-substitution
D) compensatory-substitution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dean's belief is an example of the stimulus-substitution theory of conditioning, where the black suit (a neutral stimulus) becomes associated with the accident (an unconditioned stimulus), leading Dean to develop a conditioned response (believing the suit is a bad omen) to the previously neutral stimulus (the suit).

Dean Believes That His Black Suit Is a Bad Omen