Classical conditioning is a form of associative learning, learning produced by the pairing of stimuli and responses in time and place. It contributes to likes and dislikes, emotional reactions, and reflex-like responses to things. Below, explain the situation being described in terms of classical conditioning. For each description, identify or suggest the US, UR, CS, CR, as well as the principles likely to be at work.
1. Joan, an animal trainer, has been phobic about monkeys since an earlier attack. However, because of the money, she has agreed to work with monkeys for a movie studio. At first, just going anywhere near cages makes Joan tense, sweaty, and apprehensive. Lately, though, things have changed. Working with such cuddly, affectionate, human-like creatures is causing Joan to wonder why she ever felt such extreme distress.
2. At a red light, Bob and Fred automatically tensed and felt chills when they heard the screech of tires behind them. Later, while watching a car race, Bob remarked how the screeching of tires was having little effect then. Fred agreed and wondered why they reacted at all, because neither had as much as a dent on his driving record.
3. Early in their relationship, the mere sight of Donna excited Jack. This gradually died out, however, as Donna behaved tolerantly but indifferently. When the relationship ended, Jack was bored with Donna and even think about her for the next year. Now, he was surprised at how excited he was becoming as he saw Donna through the window of a bus.