Tom has a strong phobia of motorcycles after nearly being killed by riding his Harley-Davidson too fast. When Tom hears or sees a motorcycle, he starts to sweat, his heart races, and he trembles. To what phenomenon can Tom's phobia best be attributed?
A) classical conditioning
B) sensitization
C) successive approximation
D) latent learning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tom's phobia can be attributed to classical conditioning, in which an originally neutral stimulus (motorcycle) became associated with a negative experience (nearly being killed on his Harley-Davidson). This association has now caused Tom to have a fear response (sweating, racing heart, trembling) to the stimulus (motorcycle) even when it is not directly threatening his safety.

Tom Has a Strong Phobia of Motorcycles After Nearly Being