In attempting to explain some characteristics of taste aversion learning, researchers have used the construct of stimulus relevance, which means that
A) the stimuli used in creating taste aversions are unusual and intense.
B) the stimuli are consistent with previous generations' experiences with eating cues and outcomes, associated with the gut defense system.
C) the stimuli persist in sensory memory much longer than the stimuli typically used in classical conditioning studies.
D) the stimuli are highly memorable and not prone to interference effects by other stimuli.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stimulus relevance in the context of taste aversion learning refers to the idea that certain stimuli (e.g., tastes associated with food) are more likely to be associated with specific outcomes (e.g., illness) because they are consistent with the evolutionary experiences of previous generations. This concept is linked to the gut defense system, which has evolved to help organisms avoid consuming toxic substances.

In Attempting to Explain Some Characteristics of Taste Aversion Learning