Conditioning works best when __________.
A) the conditioned stimulus precedes the unconditioned stimulus by half a second or so
B) the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus are presented simultaneously
C) the unconditioned stimulus is presented before the conditioned stimulus (this is referred to as the "backward procedure")
D) none of the above answers is correct

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conditioning works best when the conditioned stimulus precedes the unconditioned stimulus by half a second or so. This is known as the "forward procedure" in which the CS acts as a warning signal for the forthcoming US, allowing the organism to predict and prepare for it. Simultaneous presentation of the CS and US (option B) can also work, but not as effectively as the forward procedure. Backward conditioning (option C) is generally ineffective in establishing an association between the CS and the US. Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

Conditioning Works Best When __________