In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus is

A) an unlearned reaction to a stimulus that occurs without previous conditioning.
B) a learned reaction to a stimulus that occurs as a result of previous conditioning.
C) a stimulus that evokes a response without previous conditioning.
D) a previously neutral stimulus that has acquired the capacity to evoke a learned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus

In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus is something that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any learning needed.

Conditioned Stimulus

A formerly neutral signal that, once linked with the unconditioned stimulus, ultimately induces a conditioned reaction.

Unlearned Reaction

An innate response or reflex that is not acquired or learned through experience but is naturally present from birth.