Which one of the following statements best describes behaviorists' two-step theory of avoidance learning?
A) Avoidance of the aversive stimulus is negatively reinforced by the presence of the pre-aversive stimulus.
B) Remaining in the situation is punished by the aversive stimulus; avoiding it is positively reinforced by the pre-aversive stimulus.
C) Fear of the pre-aversive stimulus is classically conditioned, and escape from that stimulus is negatively reinforced.
D) Escape responses occur prior to avoidance responses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Behaviorists' two-step theory of avoidance learning posits that fear of a pre-aversive stimulus is classically conditioned first, and then the action of escaping or avoiding that feared stimulus is negatively reinforced because it reduces or eliminates the fear, thus reinforcing the avoidance behavior.

Which One of the Following Statements Best Describes Behaviorists' Two-Step