AP Psychology Practice Test

What is the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus called?

1. Generalization

2. Acquisition

3. Discrimination

4. Extinction

The correct answer is: Discrimination

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus is known as discrimination. This cognitive process allows an organism to respond differently to various stimuli based on their experiences. In the context of classical conditioning, for example, if a dog is trained to respond to a bell that signifies food, discrimination would mean the dog learns not to respond to other similar sounds, such as a whistle or a clapping sound, which do not indicate food. Discrimination is essential for an organism to navigate its environment effectively, as it helps prevent confusion and inappropriate responses to irrelevant stimuli. This ability enables individuals to refine their reactions based on learned cues, a crucial aspect of adaptive behavior in both animals and humans.