In classical conditioning, what term is used to describe the disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus? a. Generalization b. Discrimination c. Extinction d. Acquisition
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Extinction.
Extinction in classical conditioning refers to the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response (CR) when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus (US). In classical conditioning, the process involves pairing a neutral stimulus (the CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (the US) to elicit a conditioned response (CR). For example, in Pavlov’s famous experiment with dogs, the sound of a bell (CS) was paired with the presentation of food (US), causing the dogs to salivate (CR).
Over time, if the conditioned stimulus (the bell) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (food), the conditioned response (salivation) will begin to fade. This process is called extinction. Extinction occurs because the subject learns that the conditioned stimulus no longer predicts the unconditioned stimulus, and as a result, the conditioned response weakens. However, it’s important to note that extinction does not eliminate the conditioned response entirely. Instead, the response becomes less frequent and less intense.
It is also possible for the conditioned response to reappear after extinction, a phenomenon known as spontaneous recovery. This refers to the sudden re-emergence of a previously extinguished response after a period of rest or non-exposure to the conditioned stimulus. The reappearance of the conditioned response can be an important aspect of understanding how learning and memory processes are not permanently erased but can be altered over time.