Research on which of the following best shows the importance of surprise in classical conditioning?
A) spontaneous recovery
B) intermittent reinforcement
C) blocking
D) latent learning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blocking occurs when a previously established cue (CS1) is paired with a new cue (CS2) in classical conditioning, but only CS1 elicits the conditioned response (CR). This suggests that the learning process relies on surprise and unexpectedness. If the subject expects the pairing of CS1 and CS2, then the learning will not occur. Therefore, the importance of surprise in classical conditioning is demonstrated by the blocking phenomenon.

Research on Which of the Following Best Shows the Importance