In an Experiment, Subjects Were Exposed to Subliminally Presented Pictures

question 21

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, subjects were exposed to subliminally presented pictures paired with an electric shock. Researchers found that the subjects subsequently displayed signs of conditioned anxiety when the pictures were of

• A) flowers and mushrooms.
• B) snakes and spiders.
• C) Both a and b are correct.
• D) Neither a nor b is correct.

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Definitions:

Avoidance

A behavioral response aimed to prevent an unpleasant outcome or stimulus, often developed as a coping mechanism in both humans and animals.

Feared Stimulus

A specific object, situation, or activity that elicits a strong fear response due to conditioning or traumatic experiences.

Exposure

In psychology, a treatment method aimed at reducing fear and anxiety by gradually and repeatedly presenting the feared object or context without any danger.