AP Psychology 3.7.A: Classical Conditioning

Explore AP Psychology 3.7.A questions on classical conditioning, conditioned responses, acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, and stimulus generalization.

Exam points

Identify conditioned and unconditioned stimuli and responses in associative learning.
Explain how acquisition, extinction, recovery, discrimination and generalization change behavior.
Apply classical conditioning or habituation to observable behavior or emotional responses.

[Maximum number: 1]

Ashley planned to drive from New York to California to attend college. However, shortly after departing, she

became uncertain about which roads to take and called her parents for assistance with directions. Because she

was distracted, she drove off the side of the road and grazed the front bumper of her car on the guardrail.

Fortunately, the car was not too badly damaged, so she continued on her journey. Although she ultimately

made it to California, she had a lingering fear of guardrails for several months following her experience.

Part B

Explain how each of the following might have led Ashley to have a negative experience on her trip from

New York to California. Definitions alone will not score.

- Circadian rhythms

- Conditioned response

Conditioned response

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3.7.A—Explain how classical conditioning applies to behavior and mental processes. UNIT 3 Development and Learning question 1