Question

Which of the following correctly describes the rate of acquisition?

1) The majority of learning occurs later, with the initial trials leading to minimal learning due to the subject's exploration of the stimuli.
2) The majority of learning occurs very quickly but the subject starts to forget, which leads to a decrease in acquisition.
3) The majority of learning occurs later, with acquisition steadily increasing with each of the trials.
4) The majority of learning occurs very quickly, but the subject continues to learn at a slower rate during later trials.

Answer 1

The rate of acquisition refers to the pace at which initial learning happens, usually quickly initially, and then continues at a slower rate, as described by option 4 in the context of classical conditioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of acquisition correctly refers to how quickly a subject learns during the initial phase of learning. The curve of acquisition shows a quick increase in learning strength as a conditioned response becomes stronger due to repeated pairings of a conditioned and an unconditioned stimulus. With reference to the provided learning methods, this is best described by option 4: 'The majority of learning occurs very quickly, but the subject continues to learn at a slower rate during later trials.' During acquisition, a neutral stimulus begins to elicit a conditioned response and eventually becomes a conditioned stimulus in its own right, capable of evoking the response without additional training. Extinction happens when the conditioned response weakens in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus. However, if there's a break, spontaneous recovery can occur, where the response briefly reappears.

Considering other forms of learning, such as observational learning and latent learning, the acquisition can also refer to knowledge or skills gained indirectly or without immediate application, which may manifest when required.