Introductory Psychology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is an example of classical conditioning?

1. A baby learning to crawl

2. An infant learning to recognize the voice of its parent

3. An animal salivating when hearing a bell

4. A student studying for a test

The correct answer is: An animal salivating when hearing a bell

Classical conditioning is a type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an automatic response through repeated pairing. In the case of an animal salivating when hearing a bell, the bell (neutral stimulus) becomes associated with the sight or smell of food (unconditioned stimulus) through repeated pairings. This leads to the animal eventually salivating (conditioned response) upon hearing the bell alone. Option A, learning to crawl, is an example of motor learning and does not involve the pairing of stimuli and responses. Option B, learning to recognize a parent's voice, is an example of social learning and does not involve the pairing of stimuli and responses. Option D, studying for a test, is an example of intentional learning and does not involve the pairing of stimuli and responses.