Boris Is Trying to Use Classical Conditioning to Teach His

question 61

Multiple Choice

Boris is trying to use classical conditioning to teach his goldfish to come to the top of the tank to eat whenever he turns on the aquarium light. He drops food into the tank and then turns on the light. After several such trials, the fish show no more inclination to come to the top of the tank when the light is turned on than they did on the first trial. What would you suggest that Boris do to improve his training technique?

• A) He should turn on the light before he drops the food into the tank.
• B) He should intermittently turn the light on and off during feeding time.
• C) He should drop something other than food into the tank to alert the fish.
• D) He should provide more food than usual during the trials.

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Definitions:

Physiological Reactions

Physical responses of the body to internal or external stimuli, such as increased heart rate or sweating.

Emotional Reactions

Immediate responses to stimuli or events that are characterized by strong feelings, ranging from joy and love to anger and fear.

Sympathetic Arousal

The state of heightened physiological activity that prepares the body for action, part of the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Inhibition

The reduction of activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which may result in increased arousal or decreased bodily functions associated with rest and digestion.