Identifying the conditioned response
A cat hears the electric can opener each time its food is opened. Eventually the cat runs to the kitchen whenever it hears the can opener, even when no food follows. The cat's running at the sound is the:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
An unconditioned response is unlearned, such as salivating to food itself.
B
The conditioned stimulus is the can opener's sound, not the cat's response.
C
The unconditioned stimulus is the food.
D
Correct. It is a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.
TakeawayA response to the food itself is unconditioned. A learned response to the cue is conditioned.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps99.