A stimulus that has no effect on the desired response is a(n) _____ stimulus.

• A. ineffective
• B. unconditioned
• C. neutral
• D. conditioned

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: This question is related to classical conditioning, a concept in psychology that explains how a neutral stimulus can become associated with a response.
2. Identify the key terms: In classical conditioning, a 'neutral stimulus' is one that initially does not elicit any intrinsic response related to the desired outcome.
3. Differentiate between types of stimuli: An 'unconditioned stimulus' naturally triggers a response without prior learning, while a 'conditioned stimulus' is a previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.
4. Recognize the role of a neutral stimulus: Initially, a neutral stimulus does not affect the desired response until it is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
5. Conclude the understanding: The term that describes a stimulus having no effect on the desired response is 'neutral stimulus', as it has not yet been conditioned to elicit a response.