Early Research on Classical Conditioning Was Performed with Dogs

question 65

Multiple Choice

Early research on classical conditioning was performed with dogs. In certain variations of this research, experimenters repeatedly presented dogs with meat powder just after ringing a bell. The dogs (who would naturally salivate after being exposed to meat powder) learned to associate the bell with the meat powder, and began to salivate as soon as they heard the bell. In this research, the dogs' salivation was ____.

• A)a conditioned response
• B)an unconditioned response
• C)a neutral stimulus
• D)both an unconditioned response and a conditioned response

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Definitions:

Nativist Approach

The theory that a genetically determined, innate mechanism directs the development of language.

Universal Grammar

A theory in linguistics postulating that the ability to acquire language is innate to humans and that all human languages share a common underlying structure.

Learning Theory Approach

The theory that language acquisition follows the basic laws of reinforcement and conditioning.

Motherese

The simplified and exaggerated speech style used by adults when talking to babies and young children, also known as child-directed speech.