Question

Which of the following will hold true for a learning acquisition curve drawn for a classical conditioning experiment on eye blinking as conditioned response that plots the learning over a number of trials?

• A. The rate of learning on earlier trials is more than that on later trials.
• B. The learning curve is negatively accelerated.
• C. The rate of learning in later trials will be more than that on earlier trials.
• D. The rate of learning is proportionally increasing with increasing number of trials.

Hint:

Most learning curves show rapid initial gains followed by gradual improvement.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Understanding learning acquisition curves.
In classical conditioning, learning typically occurs rapidly during the initial trials and then slows down as performance approaches an asymptote.
Step 2: Evaluating option (A).
The rate of learning is higher during early trials because the organism is forming new associations quickly. Hence, learning is faster initially than in later trials.
Step 3: Evaluating option (B).
Such learning curves are described as negatively accelerated because the slope is steep at the beginning and gradually flattens over time.
Step 4: Eliminating incorrect options.
Options (C) and (D) incorrectly suggest that learning increases with more trials, which contradicts established findings in conditioning research.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Therefore, options (A) and (B) correctly describe the learning acquisition curve.
Final Answer: (A) and (B)