In a classical conditioning experiment, an experimenter declares a flash of light to be the CS, an electric shock as the US, and a fear reaction as the UR (as well as, eventually, the CR). The acquisition phase of this experiment would involve presenting:
A) the shock by itself
B) the light by itself
C) the light with the shock
D) the shock with the fear

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the acquisition phase, the CS (flash of light) is presented simultaneously with the US (electric shock) in order to create an association between the two stimuli. Choice A, presenting the shock by itself, would not create the necessary association with the CS. Choice B, presenting the light by itself, would not create the necessary association with the US. Choice D, presenting the shock with the fear, assumes that the fear reaction is already present and does not address the goal of creating the association between the CS and the US.

In a Classical Conditioning Experiment, an Experimenter Declares a Flash