AP Psychology Practice Test

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Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

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What is the diminishing of a conditioned response called?

Respondent behavior
Operant conditioning
Extinction
Acquisition

The correct answer is: Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response is known as extinction. In classical conditioning, extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus. For example, if a dog has been conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell (the conditioned stimulus) because it has been associated with food (the unconditioned stimulus), the dog will gradually stop salivating when the bell is rung without the presentation of food. This process highlights how learned associations can weaken when the reinforcement (the unconditioned stimulus) is removed. Extinction is an important concept in understanding how behaviors can change over time and is a key element in both classical and operant conditioning frameworks.