INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What can occur if the link between stimulus and reaction is discontinued?

1. Operant extinction

2. Classical conditioning

3. Classical extinction

4. Positive reinforcement

The correct answer is: Classical extinction

If the link between stimulus and reaction is discontinued, classical extinction can occur. This is because classical conditioning involves learning an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. If this link is no longer present and the neutral stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned response will eventually diminish or disappear. This is different from operant extinction, which involves the gradual decrease in a learned behavior due to a lack of reinforcement. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, involves strengthening a behavior through the presentation of a desirable reinforcer. Therefore, neither of those options are correct in this scenario. And while the concept of classical conditioning may be related, B is not the most accurate answer as it does not specify what type of conditioning can occur when the link is discontinued. Therefore, C is the best answer as it directly addresses the specific outcome of discontinuing the link between stimulus and reaction.