If one pairs a tone with a shock, a rat can learn that the tone predicts the shock. If one then pairs a tone and light with a shock, the person finds that the rat gives a:
A) CR only to the tone.
B) CR only to the light.
C) UR only to the tone.
D) CR to the tone and light together.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is explained by classical conditioning, where the rat has already learned to associate the tone with the shock (conditioned stimulus with unconditioned stimulus). When a new stimulus (light) is paired with the tone, the rat continues to respond to the tone because it has a stronger association with the shock, demonstrating what is known as blocking. The rat does not form a new association with the light because the tone already predicts the shock.

If One Pairs a Tone with a Shock, a Rat