Ashley grew up fearing clowns because of an incident early in her life. Although it took several years before the fear disappeared completely, she can now enjoy the entertainment that clowns offer. Her fear of clowns has undergone ____.
A) dismissal
B) dishabituation
C) extinction
D) stimulus generalization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Extinction refers to the process of reducing a behavior or association by repeatedly exposing an individual to the stimulus without any negative consequences. In Ashley's case, her fear of clowns has undergone extinction because through repeated exposure without any harm, her fear gradually decreased and eventually disappeared. Choice A, “dismissal,” choice B, “dishabituation,” and choice D, “stimulus generalization,” are not appropriate options in this scenario.

Ashley Grew Up Fearing Clowns Because of an Incident Early