Sparrows are receptive to learning songs only during a sensitive period. What term best applies to this behavior?
A)sign stimulus
B)habituation
C)imprinting
D)classical conditioning
E)operant conditioning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This behavior best fits the definition of imprinting, which is the formation of an attachment to a specific object or individual during a specific critical period. In the case of sparrows, it is the learning of songs during a sensitive period. The other options do not fit as well with this behavior. A sign stimulus is a specific stimulus that triggers a particular behavior, habituation is a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, classical conditioning is the learning of associations between stimuli, and operant conditioning is the learning of associations between behaviors and their consequences.

Sparrows Are Receptive to Learning Songs Only During a Sensitive