Which term describes the pairing of a neutral stimulus with another stimulus to transfer function?

• A. Temporal locus
• B. Stimulus-stimulus pairing
• C. Time sampling
• D. Topography

Answer: (B)

Stimulus-stimulus pairing describes the process of pairing a neutral stimulus with another stimulus to transfer its function. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is presented together with an unconditioned stimulus that already elicits a response. After repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus and can evoke the same or a similar response on its own, effectively transferring the function of the original stimulus. A classic example is Pavlov’s dogs: a bell starts as neutral but, when paired with food, eventually triggers salivation by itself. This is different from temporal locus (when a response occurs), time sampling (a method for recording behavior over time), and topography (the form of the behavior).