Sallie noticed that when her alarm clock goes off in the morning, her dog Ruffles is standing by her bed salivating. This is because she immediately rolls out of bed and feeds Ruffles, who very much enjoys his canned dog food. It is likely that ________.
A) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to enjoy canned dog food
B) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to sleep next to her bed
C) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to salivate over canned dog food
D) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to salivate to the sound of her alarm clock

Question

Sallie noticed that when her alarm clock goes off in the morning, her dog Ruffles is standing by her bed salivating. This is because she immediately rolls out of bed and feeds Ruffles, who very much enjoys his canned dog food. It is likely that ________.
A) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to enjoy canned dog food 
B) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to sleep next to her bed
C) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to salivate over canned dog food
D) Sallie has conditioned Ruffles to salivate to the sound of her alarm clock

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ruffles has been conditioned to associate the sound of Sallie's alarm clock with being fed, causing him to salivate. This is an example of classical conditioning. Option A suggests that Ruffles was already inclined to enjoy canned dog food, when in fact, he may have been indifferent to it before the association was made. Option B is not supported by the information given. Option C is partially correct but does not take into account the specific trigger for Ruffles' salivation.

Sallie Noticed That When Her Alarm Clock Goes Off in the Morning