William James believed that instinctual behavior resulted from specific events. For example, sympathy for a child might instinctually result from the sound of a child's cry. Psychologists refer to the child's cry as a(n)
A) releasing stimulus
B) unconditioned stimulus
C) conditioned stimulus
D) evoking stimulus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct term for a specific event that triggers an instinctual behavior, according to William James's perspective, is a "releasing stimulus." This term is used to describe an external cue that triggers a natural, instinctive behavior, such as the way a child's cry might instinctively trigger a sympathetic response.

William James Believed That Instinctual Behavior Resulted from Specific Events