During a vacation trip to a desert, Bill was startled by a snake and subsequently became terrified of snakes. Over the years, he has also received several shocks from handling the frayed cord on his old toaster and now feels slightly uncomfortable while handling it. Which of the following would most likely account for the difference in the level of fear elicited in these two situations?
A) Biological preparedness
B) Blocking
C) Temperament
D) US revaluation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biological preparedness explains why Bill would have a stronger fear response to snakes than to a toaster. Humans are evolutionarily predisposed to more quickly associate certain stimuli (like snakes) with danger, as these stimuli posed survival threats in our evolutionary past. This does not apply as strongly to modern, non-natural dangers like electrical shocks from appliances, hence the difference in fear levels.

During a Vacation Trip to a Desert, Bill Was Startled