Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

The process by which an infant learns that environmental events go together, such as noise and light, is called:

1. Accommodation.

2. Classical conditioning.

3. Modeling.

4. Operant conditioning.

The correct answer is: Classical conditioning.

The process by which an infant learns that environmental events go together, such as noise and light, is known as classical conditioning. This form of learning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus, leading to the same response. In the context of the example provided, if an infant consistently experiences a specific noise immediately followed by a flash of light, the infant may begin to associate the sound with the light. Over time, the previously neutral stimulus (the noise) may elicit a similar response as the unconditioned stimulus (the light), demonstrating the core principle of classical conditioning as described by Ivan Pavlov. In contrast, accommodation refers to the cognitive process by which an individual adjusts their existing schemas or ideas to incorporate new information. Modeling is a learning process where individuals learn behaviors by observing others, and operant conditioning involves modifying behavior through reinforcement or punishment. These concepts are distinct from classical conditioning, which specifically focuses on the association between stimuli and responses.