In a signal relations study, CS-US trials are alternated with presentation of the US alone. What will occur?
A) stronger conditioning than would have occurred without the US alone trials
B) weaker conditioning than would have occurred without the US alone trials
C) latent learning
D) extinction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alternating CS-US trials with presentation of the US alone is called partial reinforcement or intermittent reinforcement. This can lead to weaker conditioning because the association between the CS and US is not consistently reinforced, resulting in slower learning and weaker conditioning compared to continuous reinforcement. The presentation of the US alone may also contribute to extinction of the conditional response if it occurs repeatedly without the CS. However, latent learning, which refers to learning that occurs without any overt reinforcement, is unlikely to occur in this situation as both the CS and US are presented.

In a Signal Relations Study, CS-US Trials Are Alternated with Presentation