In a classical conditioning experiment, an experimenter declares a flash of light to be the CS, an electric shock as the US, and a fear reaction as the UR (as well as, eventually, the CR). Forward conditioning involves:
A) presenting the shock first, followed by the light
B) presenting the light first, followed by the shock (
C) having the light and shock occur in no specific temporal relationship to one another
D) presenting the light and shock at the same time

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In classical conditioning, forward conditioning involves presenting the CS (flash of light) before the US (electric shock). This creates an association in which the CS predicts the occurrence of the US, leading to the fear response (UR). Eventually, the fear response also occurs in the presence of the CS alone, becoming the conditioned response (CR). Therefore, presenting the light first (CS), followed by the shock (US) is the most effective way to establish this conditioning.

In a Classical Conditioning Experiment, an Experimenter Declares a Flash