Which one of the following situations illustrates extinction of a classically conditioned response?
A) Andrew thinks school is a waste of time because he doesn't learn anything he can really use.
B) Brian experiences more and more anxiety about mathematics as his math problems become increasingly difficult.
C) Carla becomes less afraid of tests over time when she finds that she can succeed at them.
D) Deirdre doesn't like keeping her desk tidy because she has too much stuff to arrange it all neatly inside.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Extinction of a classically conditioned response occurs when the conditioned stimulus (in this case, tests) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (in this case, anxiety or fear). Over time, the conditioned response (fear) weakens and eventually disappears. In option C, Carla becomes less afraid of tests over time, which is an example of extinction.

Which One of the Following Situations Illustrates Extinction of a Classically