When Colin was young he was stung by a bee and had a severe allergic reaction. Now, many years later, whenever he hears a buzzing sound (including when people imitate a buzzing sound), he becomes nervous and panics. In this example, the unconditional stimulus is
A) the bee.
B) the severe allergic reaction.
C) the buzzing sound.
D) Colin's reacting nervously and panicking.
E) people imitating a buzzing sound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unconditional stimulus is the severe allergic reaction, as it naturally elicited a response without prior conditioning. In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus is something that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any learning needed. In this case, the severe allergic reaction Colin experienced after being stung by a bee is the unconditioned stimulus because it naturally caused a reaction (panic and nervousness) without Colin needing to learn to react that way.

When Colin Was Young He Was Stung by a Bee