Research on avoidance learning suggests that a fear response is acquired through ____________ conditioning; the avoidance response is maintained as a result of _________________ conditioning. A. classical; operant B. operant; classical C. classical; classical D. operant; operant

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Classical conditioning is responsible for the acquisition of a fear response, while operant conditioning is responsible for the maintenance of an avoidance response.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus, leading to a conditioned response. This type of conditioning was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov in his experiments with dogs. When the dogs were presented with food, they would salivate as a natural response. Pavlov then paired the food with a neutral stimulus, such as a bell, until the dogs would salivate at the sound of the bell, even without the presence of food.
02

Understanding Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a learning process in which an individual's behavior is influenced by the consequences following that behavior. This type of conditioning was introduced by B.F. Skinner and includes positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment. An example of operant conditioning would be a child receiving praise (positive reinforcement) for completing their homework, making them more likely to complete homework in the future.
03

Identifying the Conditioning Types for Fear and Avoidance Responses

Based on our understanding of the two types of conditioning, we can now identify the acquisition of a fear response and the maintenance of an avoidance response as a result of these conditioning types. A fear response is acquired through classical conditioning, as a neutral stimulus begins to elicit fear after being paired with an aversive stimulus. The avoidance response is then maintained as a result of operant conditioning because avoiding the fear-inducing stimulus results in the negative reinforcement of not experiencing the feared event.
04

Choosing the Correct Option

With our understanding of classical and operant conditioning applied to fear and avoidance responses, we can now choose the correct option: A. classical; operant.

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