When Pavlov stopped giving the dogs food after the real conditioned stimulus, they stopped salivating to the sound of the ticking. This is called

• A. acquisition.
• B. stimulus generalization.
• C. extinction.
• D. higher-order conditioning.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept being described in the problem: Pavlov's experiment with dogs and the cessation of salivation in response to a previously conditioned stimulus.
2. Understand the term 'extinction' in the context of classical conditioning: Extinction occurs when the conditioned response (salivation) decreases or disappears after the conditioned stimulus (ticking sound) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (food).
3. Differentiate between the terms provided: Acquisition refers to the initial stage of learning when a response is first established. Stimulus generalization involves responding to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus. Higher-order conditioning involves using a conditioned stimulus to condition a new stimulus.
4. Recognize that the process described in the problem aligns with the definition of extinction, as the conditioned response (salivation) stops when the conditioned stimulus (ticking) is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus (food).
5. Conclude that the correct term for the process described is 'extinction', as it involves the reduction of the conditioned response due to the absence of reinforcement.