Timing Effects in Classical Conditioning

Very Hard Unit 4: Learning Classical Conditioning

Consider a scenario where a researcher is examining the effects of timing in classical conditioning. The researcher conditions a group of rats by presenting a light (neutral stimulus) just before giving them a mild electric shock (unconditioned stimulus). The first group receives the shock 5 seconds after the light is turned on, while the second group receives the shock immediately after the light. A third group is left unconditioned as a control. After 10 trials, the researcher observes the rats' response to the light alone. Which of the following statements best explains the expected differences in conditioned response among the groups?

The first group will show a stronger conditioned response than the second group due to the extended time to prepare for the shock.

The second group will show a stronger conditioned response than the first group because the shock follows immediately after the stimulus.

Both groups will show equivalent conditioned responses as the timing has no effect on classical conditioning.

The control group will show a stronger response than the conditioned groups due to lack of exposure to the stimuli.

The first group will show a stronger response as the neutral stimulus had time to be associated with the shock.

Hint

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