Under which condition is a rat most likely to experience anxiety rather than fear?
A) when a CS precedes shock 100% of the time
B) when a CS is followed by shock on 50% of the trials but when there is no CS there is no shock
C) when the probability of shock following a CS is 40% and the probability of shock happening when there is no CS is also 40%
D) when the probability of shock following a CS is 90% and the probability of shock occurring when there is no CS is 5%

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anxiety is more likely when there is uncertainty or unpredictability about the occurrence of a negative event. In option C, the probability of shock is the same regardless of the presence of a conditioned stimulus (CS), making it difficult for the rat to predict when a shock will occur, thus increasing anxiety.

Under Which Condition Is a Rat Most Likely to Experience