44. Based on conditioning theory, which of the following describes the child's most likely reaction?
Answer: C
The child will cry because she is afraid of the kitten.
Based on conditioning theory, the child's previous negative experience with the loud hammer sound paired with the white bunny has likely led to a conditioned fear response. Therefore, when presented with a similar-looking animal, the child is likely to cry due to the association of fear with the white kitten.
A) She will smile because there is no hammer sound
This option is incorrect because the absence of the hammer sound does not negate the child's prior conditioning. The fear response is linked to the visual stimulus of the white bunny, which is now evoked by the appearance of the white kitten.
B) She will smile because there is no bunny
This option is also incorrect. The child's reaction is not solely based on the absence of the bunny but rather on the association formed between the white color and the frightening experience. The presence of a similar animal could trigger fear rather than happiness.
C) She will cry because she is afraid of the kitten
This is the correct answer. The child is likely to cry due to the conditioned fear response established through her experience with the white bunny and the loud hammer sound. The kitten's similar appearance can evoke this learned fear, resulting in crying.
D) She will cry because she wants the bunny, not the kitten
This option misinterprets the conditioning process. The child's reaction is not driven by a desire for the bunny, but rather by fear associated with the sight of a similar animal. Thus, this explanation is incorrect.
E) She will smile because she likes the kitten
This option is incorrect as well because, despite the kitten being a new and potentially likable animal, the child's prior conditioning likely overshadows any positive feelings. The fear response is expected to dominate her reaction instead.
Conclusion
The correct answer, C, is supported by the principles of conditioning theory, where the child's fear is a conditioned response to the stimuli associated with her past experience. Other options fail to recognize the influence of conditioning on emotional responses, incorrectly attributing positive feelings or misinterpreting the nature of her fear.