Danielle Is a Mean Preschool Teacher and Wants to Teach

question 92

Essay

Danielle is a mean preschool teacher and wants to teach her students to fear the school principal,who comes to check on their classroom at the same time every day.She attempts to use classical conditioning by turning off the classroom lights (US)immediately before the principal comes in (NS).The resulting darkness causes the children to be naturally fearful (UR).After a few weeks of trying this,Danielle is disappointed that the children do not seem to be developing a fear of the principal.
a) Using your knowledge of the four steps of classical conditioning, explain why Danielle has not been able to create a fear response in her students. Be sure to include the US, UR, CS, and CR in your answer.
b) How could Danielle make the children fear the principal? Give a specific example.
c) Assuming that Danielle is able to use classical conditioning correctly, explain one other factor that might influence how well the children learn this association.

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Definitions:

Testosterone

A steroid hormone primarily found in males, responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and associated with behaviors such as aggression and libido.

Competitiveness

Refers to the desire to be more successful than others.

Risk Taking

The act of engaging in behaviors or decisions that have the potential for negative consequences but are pursued for potential positive outcomes.

Need To Belong

An innate human desire to form and maintain strong, stable relationships with others.