Question

Which of the following processes occurs when a strong conditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, causing the neutral stimulus to become a second conditioned stimulus?

• A. Higher-order conditioning
• B. Trace conditioning
• C. Stimulus substitution
• D. Stimulus Generalization

Hint:

In higher-order conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is never paired with the second-order conditioned stimulus ($CS_2$). The learning is built entirely upon the $CS_1$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the classical conditioning process where an established conditioned stimulus (CS) serves as the basis for conditioning a new, neutral stimulus.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Higher-order conditioning (also called second-order conditioning) is a process in which a well-established conditioned stimulus ($CS_1$) is paired with a new neutral stimulus ($NS$).

• Because the $CS_1$ is already strongly associated with the unconditioned stimulus ($UCS$), it can act like an unconditioned stimulus itself to transfer the association to the new neutral stimulus.

• After successful pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a secondary conditioned stimulus ($CS_2$) and elicits the conditioned response ($CR$) on its own.

• Trace conditioning is a specific temporal arrangement where the neutral stimulus is presented and terminated before the unconditioned stimulus begins.

• Stimulus substitution is Pavlov's physiological theory of how conditioning works in the brain, suggesting the CS acts as a direct substitute for the UCS.

• Stimulus generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus evoke the conditioned response without specific pairing.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The process described, where a strong CS helps turn a neutral stimulus into a second CS, is Higher-order conditioning.