A critical difference between blocking and overshadowing is that:
A) blocking deals with stimulus intensity, whereas overshadowing deals with prior exposure
B) blocking deals with prior exposure, whereas overshadowing deals with stimulus intensity
C) blocking deals with inhibiting learning, whereas overshadowing is always beneficial to learning
D) there are no differences between blocking and overshadowing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blocking occurs when a previously learned association interferes with the learning of a new association. In contrast, overshadowing occurs when one stimulus is more salient and thus "overshadows" the other stimulus in learning. Therefore, B is the correct answer because blocking deals with prior exposure, whereas overshadowing deals with stimulus intensity.

A Critical Difference Between Blocking and Overshadowing Is That