Fear-potentiated startle is said to occur when subjects
A) demonstrate anxiety (e.g., whining, trembling, freezing) prior to the occurrence of an aversive CS.
B) condition rapidly to a stimulus that signals an aversive US.
C) produce an exaggerated response to a novel stimulus while exposed to an aversive CS.
D) produce a startle response and catatonic freezing when two independently conditioned aversive CSs are presented together without warning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fear-potentiated startle occurs when an individual produces an exaggerated startle response to a stimulus because they are in a state of fear induced by an aversive conditioned stimulus (CS). This phenomenon demonstrates how fear can amplify reactions to other stimuli.

Fear-Potentiated Startle Is Said to Occur When Subjects