Final answer:
The question describes an example of classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (the sound of squealing brakes) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (a car wreck) to elicit a conditioned response (pain or fear).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves the concepts of classical conditioning, a psychological principle first described by Ivan Pavlov. Classical conditioning is a process by which a neutral stimulus (NS), through association, comes to elicit a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally brings about that response. In the example provided:
- NS (Neutral Stimulus): sound of squealing brakes, which originally does not cause pain.
- UCS (Unconditioned Stimulus): car wreck, which naturally causes pain.
- UCR (Unconditioned Response): pain resulting directly from the car wreck.
- CS (Conditioned Stimulus): sound of squealing brakes again, but after the association has been made with the car wreck.
- CR (Conditioned Response): pain or anxiety felt when hearing the sound of squealing brakes after the individual has been involved in a car wreck.
In this scenario, the sound of squealing brakes becomes a conditioned stimulus after the individual experiences pain from a car wreck. Whenever the conditioned stimulus (the sound) is heard again, it evokes a conditioned response (pain or fear), even without the actual occurrence of a car wreck.