In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with what kind of stimulus?

In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with what kind of stimulus?

• A. Unconditioned
• B. Conditioned
• C. Aversive
• D. Neutral

Answer: (A)

In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus—the stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a reflexive response without any learning. By repeatedly pairing the neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, the neutral becomes capable of triggering a similar response on its own, now as a conditioned stimulus producing a conditioned response. A classic example is Pavlov’s dog: food (unconditioned stimulus) naturally makes the dog salivate (unconditioned response). When a bell (neutral stimulus) is paired with the food, the bell eventually elicits salivation by itself, turning into a conditioned stimulus. So the neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus—the stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a reflexive response without any learning. By repeatedly pairing the neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, the neutral becomes capable of triggering a similar response on its own, now as a conditioned stimulus producing a conditioned response. A classic example is Pavlov’s dog: food (unconditioned stimulus) naturally makes the dog salivate (unconditioned response). When a bell (neutral stimulus) is paired with the food, the bell eventually elicits salivation by itself, turning into a conditioned stimulus. So the neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.