In a study on the development of phobias, some human subjects receive an electric shock paired with pictures of snakes, while others get shock paired with pictures of houses. What is the likely outcome?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The subjects who receive the electric shock paired with pictures of snakes are likely to develop a strong fear of snakes, as they will associate the negative experience (shock) with the sight of snakes. However, there is no reason to believe that this would affect their fear of houses, unless the shock was also accompanied by the sight of houses (which is not mentioned in the question). Therefore, it is unlikely that these subjects would develop a strong fear of houses.

In a Study on the Development of Phobias, Some Human