Stages of Higher-Order Conditioning Illustrated
The process of higher-order conditioning can be illustrated through a three-stage diagram using the example of a cat.
- First-Order Conditioning: An electric can opener (Conditioned Stimulus) is paired with food (Unconditioned Stimulus), resulting in salivation (Unconditioned Response).
- Second-Order Conditioning: A squeaky cabinet door (Second-order Stimulus) is paired with the electric can opener (Conditioned Stimulus), which now elicits salivation as a Conditioned Response.
- Result: The squeaky cabinet door (Second-order Stimulus) alone is now able to trigger salivation (Conditioned Response).
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Example of Higher-Order Conditioning: Chemotherapy
Example of Higher-Order Conditioning: A Cat and a Squeaky Cabinet
Stages of Higher-Order Conditioning Illustrated
A person develops a strong fear of dogs after being bitten. They notice that the dog that bit them always wore a red collar, and soon, the sight of any red collar causes them to feel anxious. Later, they frequently see their neighbor, who owns the dog, leaving the house just before they see the dog with its red collar. After a while, they begin to feel anxious simply upon seeing the neighbor, even when the dog and its collar are not visible. In this scenario, what is the most accurate explanation for why seeing the neighbor alone now causes anxiety?
A child loves the ice cream truck, which always plays a specific jingle. The child has learned to feel excited and happy upon hearing the jingle. Recently, the child has noticed that a particular neighbor always puts on a bright yellow hat just before the ice cream truck's jingle can be heard. Now, the child starts to feel excited and happy upon seeing the neighbor wearing the yellow hat, even before hearing the music. Which statement best analyzes how the child learned to feel excited by the sight of the yellow hat?