During a severe thunderstorm, Christopher was talking on the phone with his girlfriend when lightning struck the house and the electrical shock traveled through the telephone wire. Christopher received a strong shock and the fright of his life. Although he wasn't severely injured, he developed an intense fear of lightning and thunderstorms. However, Christopher did NOT develop a fear of telephones or his girlfriend. Which concept helps explain this fact?
A)latent learning
B)the law of effect
C)biological preparedness
D)stimulus discrimination

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biological preparedness explains why Christopher developed a fear of lightning and thunderstorms but not of telephones or his girlfriend. This concept suggests that humans are more likely to associate certain stimuli with fear due to evolutionary history, making it easier to develop phobias to natural dangers like storms.

During a Severe Thunderstorm, Christopher Was Talking on the Phone