AP Psychology Practice Test

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Prepare for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive practice test featuring detailed questions and explanations. Enhance your learning experience as you dive deep into psychological concepts, theories, and important figures in psychology. Get ready for your exam!

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What term is used to describe the reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period?

Operant conditioning
Extinction
Spontaneous recovery
Law of effect

The correct answer is: Spontaneous recovery

Spontaneous recovery is the term used to describe the reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period. This occurs because the association between the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus is not entirely erased, and can be reactivated even after a period of extinction. This is different from operant conditioning (A), which involves learning through consequences and rewards, and the law of effect (D), which states that behavior followed by satisfying consequences is more likely to be repeated. Extinction (B) refers to the gradual weakening and disappearance of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced.