Rescorla's modern conceptualization of classical conditioning is based on the idea that __________
A) the CS substitutes for the US.
B) there is a biological readiness for conditioning to occur between the CS and US.
C) the CS has to provide information about the coming of the US.
D) reinforcement must occur by providing a pleasant event.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rescorla's modern conceptualization of classical conditioning is based on the idea that the CS has to provide information about the coming of the US. This means that the CS should signal the occurrence of the US in order for conditioning to occur. The CS substitutes for the US (option A) is not fully accurate as the CS and US are two different stimuli, but the CS can predict or signal the occurrence of the US. Additionally, while option B is partially correct in that there is a biological preparedness for certain associations (e.g. taste aversion), Rescorla's theory focuses more on the information provided by the CS. Option D is incorrect as Rescorla's theory does not require reinforcement to occur in order for learning to take place.

Rescorla's Modern Conceptualization of Classical Conditioning Is Based on the Idea