In an experiment, a rat that receives a foot shock (the US) jumps (the UR). However, when it sees a light (CS) that has been paired with a foot shock, it freezes (the CR). The fact that a rat's fear response to an aversive CS is likely to be quite _____ its response to the aversive US is best explained by the _____.
A) similar to; opponent process theory
B) different from; S-R theory
C) different from, preparatory-response theory
D) similar to; stimulus-substitution theory

Question

In an experiment, a rat that receives a foot shock (the US) jumps (the UR). However, when it sees a light (CS) that has been paired with a foot shock, it freezes (the CR).  The fact that a rat's fear response to an aversive CS is likely to be quite _____ its response to the aversive US is best explained by the _____.
A) similar to; opponent process theory
B) different from; S-R theory
C) different from, preparatory-response theory
D) similar to; stimulus-substitution theory

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The preparatory-response theory suggests that the conditioned response (CR) is different from the unconditioned response (UR) because the CR prepares the organism for the US, rather than directly mirroring the UR. In this case, freezing in anticipation of a shock is different from the jumping response to the shock itself, illustrating the concept of the preparatory-response theory.

In an Experiment, a Rat That Receives a Foot Shock