Question

Create an original example of classical conditioning and indicate each of the components (UCS, UCR, NS, CS, and CR). This exercise will serve as practice for an FRQ on this topic. (You do not need to do the definition portion of SODAS for this exercise). You must each create your original example - do not write down the same example as your partner.

What is the CS (Conditioned Stimulus) in this scenario?
a) Ringing a bell
b) Seeing a red light
c) Hearing a specific song
d) Smelling a certain fragrance

Answer 1

In the given example of classical conditioning, the conditioned stimulus (CS) is the sight of a red light, which was initially a neutral stimulus (NS), but became associated with the act of stopping the car, initially triggered by the brakes engaging (UCS).

Step-by-step explanation:

Classical Conditioning in a Real-World Scenario

One original example of classical conditioning involves the case where a red light (CS) becomes associated with the brakes of a car engaging (UCS) to cause a driver to stop (UCR). Over time, the sight of the red light (NS) alone will cause drivers to press the brakes (CR), even before they consciously process the action. After pairing the two stimuli, the red light effectively becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS).

Breaking down the example, we have the following associations:

Neutral Stimulus (NS): Red light before conditioning

Conditioned Response (CR): Pressing the brakes in response to the red light alone

In the provided options, a) Ringing a bell, b) Seeing a red light, c) Hearing a specific song, and d) Smelling a certain fragrance, the correct answer for the conditioned stimulus (CS) in this scenario is b) Seeing a red light.