INI-CET EXAM -2026
Applied Psychology
Easy
Which statement correctly describes classical conditioning?
Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026
Explanation
- Classical conditioning is a type of learning where a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that naturally evokes a response.
- After repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS).
- This conditioned stimulus then elicits a learned or conditioned response (CR) on its own.
- This statement accurately describes the outcome of the learning process: the CS triggers the CR after the association has been made.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: This describes the end result, but not the underlying mechanism. The primary association formed during learning is between the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus, which then allows the conditioned stimulus to elicit the conditioned response.
- Option B: The association between an unconditioned stimulus (US) and an unconditioned response (UR) is a natural, unlearned reflex. It is the starting point for conditioning, not the learned behavior itself.
- Option C: This statement confuses the stimuli. The unconditioned stimulus (US) always produces the unconditioned response (UR). It is the conditioned stimulus (CS) that produces the conditioned response (CR) after learning.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classical Conditioning as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Classical conditioning explains many patient responses in healthcare. For example, a patient who experiences nausea from chemotherapy (US -> UR) may start feeling nauseous (CR) simply upon entering the hospital or seeing a nurse (CS).
- This principle is used in behavioral therapies like systematic desensitization to treat phobias, where a feared object (CS) is paired with relaxation techniques (a new response) to extinguish the fear (CR).
- What if? If the bell (CS) is repeatedly rung without presenting food (US), the salivation response (CR) will gradually weaken and disappear. This process is called extinction.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key terms in the question: 'classical conditioning', 'conditioned stimulus' (CS), 'conditioned response' (CR), 'unconditioned stimulus' (US), and 'unconditioned response' (UR).
- Recall the definitions of these terms. The 'unconditioned' pair (US-UR) is a natural reflex, while the 'conditioned' pair (CS-CR) is a learned response.
- Analyze the process: A neutral stimulus (like a bell) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (like food) until the neutral stimulus alone can trigger the response.
- Evaluate each option against this process. Option A is a consequence, not the core process. Option B describes a reflex, not learning. Option C incorrectly links the US to the CR.
- Conclude that Option D correctly states that after learning, the now-conditioned stimulus triggers the conditioned response.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Classical Conditioning
- Stem keywords: classical conditioning
- Lead-in keywords: correctly describes
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QrySZnZcDxO7BaDTEPKlp2
Reference Book
E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 pp. 158-160, 159-161
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 12649-12651
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