Miranda notices that her cat salivates as soon as her cat hears the sound of the electric can opener. In this example, the sound of the can opener is the __________
A) primary stimulus.
B) positive reinforcer.
C) conditioned stimulus.
D) secondary reinforcer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sound of the can opener was originally a neutral stimulus, but through classical conditioning, it became associated with the presentation of food, which is an unconditioned stimulus that naturally produces salivation in the cat. Therefore, the sound of the can opener became a conditioned stimulus that now elicits salivation in the cat.

Miranda Notices That Her Cat Salivates as Soon as Her