Question 36

Johan's reaction is an example of one-trial learning.

One-trial learning occurs when a single experience leads to a long-lasting change in behavior. In this case, Johan's initial electrostatic shock served as a significant stimulus that resulted in his immediate reaction of pulling his hand away, which he subsequently remembered for future interactions with the car door.

A) Shaping

Shaping refers to the gradual process of reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior. This option is incorrect because Johan's reaction was a direct response to a single event rather than a series of reinforced behaviors leading to a new behavior.

B) One-trial learning

This option is correct as it perfectly describes Johan's situation. His reaction to the electrostatic shock after one encounter showcases how a single experience can produce a lasting behavioral change, as evidenced by him pulling his hand away again the next day.

C) Secondary conditioning

Secondary conditioning involves the association of a conditioned stimulus with a new stimulus, leading to a conditioned response. This option is incorrect because there was only one incident that led to Johan's reaction, with no evidence of additional conditioning involved.

D) Spontaneous recovery

Spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a pause. This option does not apply to Johan's situation as there was no prior extinction of a learned response; instead, his reaction was a direct result of the initial shock.

Conclusion

Johan's experience exemplifies one-trial learning, as a single shocking event resulted in a lasting behavioral change that persisted into future interactions. The other options do not accurately describe the process he underwent, as they involve multiple occurrences or different learning principles that do not apply to this context.