Question

research was conducted on the frequency of accidents involving construction workers being hit by construction vehicles in a work zone. the researchers measured the response of the pedestrians to the volume of warning sounds for each of the vehicles involved in the accidents. the data are depicted in the graph. which of the following principles of learning is demonstrated by the results? a counterconditioning b higher-order conditioning c habituation d biological preparedness

Explanation:

• Option A (Counterconditioning): Involves replacing an unwanted response with a desired one (e.g., systematic desensitization), not related to reduced response with repeated stimuli. Eliminate A.
• Option B (Higher - Order Conditioning): Occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by pairing with an existing conditioned stimulus. The graph shows a response to a repeated stimulus, not new conditioning. Eliminate B.
• Option C (Habituation): Is the decrease in response amplitude as a stimulus is repeatedly presented. The graph shows the amplitude of response decreasing as the number of stimulus presentations (warning sounds) increases, which matches habituation.
• Option D (Biological Preparedness): Refers to an organism's innate tendency to learn certain associations (e.g., fear of snakes) easily, not related to reduced response with repetition. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. Habituation