Each time Isabella sits down to feed her baby a bottle, she gently strokes the baby's head. One day, Isabella began stroking her daughter's head and noticed that the baby started sucking, even though it wasn't feeding time. The baby's association between having her head stroked and the presentation of food is an example of _______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The baby's response to having her head stroked indicates a conditioned response that was learned through classical conditioning. The association between the stroking and feeding creates an automatic response in the baby to start sucking. Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behavior is shaped by consequences, but there is no indication of this happening in the scenario. Reinforcement refers to any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior, but it is not clear what if any reinforcement is being used here. Social learning involves learning through observation and imitation of others' behaviors, but this is also not pertinent to the scenario.

Each Time Isabella Sits Down to Feed Her Baby a Bottle