When the horns on two vehicles sound nearly identical and the dog shows erratic responses, the training can lead to what?

When the horns on two vehicles sound nearly identical and the dog shows erratic responses, the training can lead to what?

• A. Generalization
• B. Discrimination
• C. Experimental neurosis
• D. Acquisition

Answer: (C)

When cues are too similar for reliable discrimination, the subject can become overwhelmed by conflicting signals. Hearing two horns that are nearly identical and being trained to respond to one but not the other creates ambiguity. The resulting confusion and stress can produce erratic, unpredictable behavior—the classic sign of experimental neurosis. This term captures what happens when discrimination training is pushed to the point where the animal can’t consistently tell the cues apart, leading to breakdowns in behavior. Generalization would involve a uniform response to similar sounds, not the unpredictable disturbance seen here; discrimination is the process being tested, and acquisition is simply the learning of a response, not the disruptive outcome described.

When cues are too similar for reliable discrimination, the subject can become overwhelmed by conflicting signals. Hearing two horns that are nearly identical and being trained to respond to one but not the other creates ambiguity. The resulting confusion and stress can produce erratic, unpredictable behavior—the classic sign of experimental neurosis. This term captures what happens when discrimination training is pushed to the point where the animal can’t consistently tell the cues apart, leading to breakdowns in behavior. Generalization would involve a uniform response to similar sounds, not the unpredictable disturbance seen here; discrimination is the process being tested, and acquisition is simply the learning of a response, not the disruptive outcome described.