What must be paired together for classical conditioning to occur?
A) unconditioned stimulus and unconditioned response
B) conditioned response and unconditioned response
C) neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus
D) neutral stimulus and conditioned stimulus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus, which elicits an unconditioned response. Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, which elicits a conditioned response. Therefore, the correct pairing must be between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. Choice A is incorrect because both stimuli and responses are unconditioned. Choice B is incorrect because the conditioned response is a learned response, not a necessary component for classical conditioning to occur. Choice D is incorrect because the conditioned stimulus is not present at the beginning of classical conditioning - it is the neutral stimulus that becomes the conditioned stimulus over time.

What Must Be Paired Together for Classical Conditioning to Occur