Question 1

As CS-US pairing trials increase, the value of ΔV in the Rescorla-Wagner model of learning should:

Accepted Answer

The Rescorla-Wagner model predicts that as CS-US pairings increase, the associative strength (ΔV) of the conditioned stimulus towards the unconditioned stimulus approaches a maximum limit, leading to a decrease in the amount of learning (ΔV) that occurs with each additional pairing. This is because the model posits that the potential for learning is finite and diminishes as the association between the CS and US strengthens.

Question 2

The concept of prepared learning is central to explaining:

Accepted Answer

Prepared learning refers to the idea that organisms are biologically predisposed to learn certain associations more easily than others, particularly when they are relevant for survival. This concept is central to explaining CS-US relevance, as it suggests that the effectiveness of a conditioned stimulus (CS) in predicting an unconditioned stimulus (US) depends on the evolutionary history and innate predispositions of the organism.

Question 3

Susan believes that the headaches she experiences every morning in Professor Jones's Art class are due to the food she eats for breakfast, and not the presence of Professor Jones. This type of associative process illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Prepared learning refers to the idea that certain associations between stimuli and responses are easier to form than others, due to evolutionary factors or past experiences. In this case, Susan may have learned to associate the food she eats for breakfast with the headaches she experiences in Professor Jones's Art class, because of past experiences in which the same food did not cause headaches in other contexts. This type of learning is said to be "prepared" because it is easier and more likely to occur than other types of learning, such as blocking or overshadowing, which require additional conditions or stimuli.

Question 4

The first step in sensory preconditioning involves the pairing of:

Accepted Answer

Sensory preconditioning involves the pairing of two neutral stimuli (CSs) without any association with an unconditioned stimulus (US). Therefore, the correct choice is A, which involves pairing of two CS+s.

Question 5

The first step in second order conditioning involves the pairing of:

Accepted Answer

Second order conditioning, also known as higher order conditioning involves the pairing of a neutral stimulus (NS) with a conditioned stimulus (CS) that has already been associated with an unconditioned stimulus (US). This means that the first step in second order conditioning involves the pairing of a CS and a US. Option A is incorrect because second order conditioning does not involve the pairing of two CS+s. Option C is incorrect because a CS+ and a CS- are not involved in second order conditioning. Option D is incorrect because a US is only paired with a CS in first order conditioning, not second order conditioning.

Question 6

The type of learning that occurs during Classical Conditioning is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus (NS) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to produce a conditioned response (CR). This process involves stimulus-response (S-R) associations, as the organism learns to associate two stimuli (S-S associations) leading to a response. The responses are often preparatory, as the organism prepares for the presentation of the UCS following the CS. Therefore, all of the options (A, B, and C) are characteristics of classical conditioning.

Question 7

The cerebellum is the only brain circuit that mediates the conditioning process.

Accepted Answer

While the cerebellum is an important brain region for the conditioning process, it is not the only one. Other regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus also play a role in conditioning.

Question 8

The idea that a CR and UR, in the same experiment, can be different responses is:

Accepted Answer

Opponent-process theory suggests that the conditioned response (CR) and unconditioned response (UR) can be different, as it involves the interaction of opposing processes or responses.

Question 9

The cause-and-effect relationship that exists between a CS and US in a classical conditioning situation has a historical precedent in the work of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The cause-and-effect relationship that exists between a...

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the nature of phobia acquisition described by Watson & Raynor?

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates classical conditioning, where the neutral stimulus (newspaper) becomes associated with the aversive stimulus (hitting), leading to fear (conditioned response) in the dog. This is similar to the Little Albert experiment conducted by Watson and Raynor, where a young child became afraid of a white rat (neutral stimulus) after it was paired with a loud noise (aversive stimulus). Option A illustrates fear acquisition through observational learning, while option B shows the absence of fear acquisition even after a negative experience.

Question 11

Assuming Ohman & Mineka's "prepared fear module" theory is accurate, one can reduce or eliminate a fear by simply realizing, consciously, that the feared object cannot really be harmful.

Accepted Answer

Ohman & Mineka's theory suggests that certain fears are instinctive and cannot be eliminated simply by conscious realization that the object is not harmful. These fears are believed to be "prepared" by evolution to protect us from potential threats, even if the threat is not immediately obvious or rational.

Question 12

Assume that a CS-US pairing has led to the establishment of a CR, and this CR is then extinguished. The subsequent presentation of a US by itself will most likely lead to:

Accepted Answer

Reinstatement occurs when the conditioned response (CR) reappears after the unconditioned stimulus (US) is presented again following extinction. This is because the US can re-trigger the association with the conditioned stimulus (CS), even after the CR has been extinguished.

Question 13

Systematic desensitization supports the notion of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Systematic desensitization supports the notion of:
...

Quiz 3: Classical Conditioning