Question

150. Th e sight of a needle can trigger fear in some people. Why is this an

example of classical conditioning?
(A) People learn this when they are young.
(B) Th ere is an unconditioned association with fear and the needle.
(C) Needles hurt.
(D) With positive reinforcement one can overcome their fear.
(E) As people get older they overcome this fear.

Answer 1

The sight of a needle triggering fear is an example of classical conditioning, as there is an association between fear and the needle. Through repeated pairing, the fear becomes associated with the sight of the needle, which then triggers fear on its own.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is an example of classical conditioning because there is an unconditioned association with fear and the needle. In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) naturally triggers an unconditioned response (UCR).

In this case, the sight of a needle naturally triggers fear, which is the unconditioned response.

Through repeated pairing with the needle, the fear becomes associated with the conditioned stimulus (CS), which is the sight of the needle.

As a result, the sight of the needle alone can now elicit fear, even in the absence of any actual pain or discomfort.