Paul is usually successful on the math problems his teacher assigns at school, although he occasionally fails on one or two problems. In contrast, Peter's experiences with mathematics are almost always associated with frustration and failure. Considering contemporary views of the roles of contiguity and contingency in classical conditioning, who will acquire classically conditioned anxiety regarding mathematics?
A) Both Paul and Peter will develop a considerable degree of mathematics anxiety.
B) Only Paul will develop math anxiety, because the relationship between math and failure is unpredictable.
C) Only Peter will develop math anxiety, because whenever math is presented, failure always follows.
D) Neither Paul nor Peter will develop math anxiety, because neither situation reflects contingency of the CS and UCS.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to contemporary views of classical conditioning, anxiety is most likely to be acquired when the conditioned stimulus (mathematics) is reliably followed by the unconditioned stimulus (failure and frustration). In Peter's case, there is a strong contingency between math and failure, so he is more likely to develop math anxiety. In contrast, there is less contingency between math and failure for Paul, so he is less likely to develop math anxiety.

Paul Is Usually Successful on the Math Problems His Teacher