Researchers condition a flatworm to contract its body to a light by repeatedly pairing the light with electric shock. The stage in which the flatworm's contraction response to light is established and gradually strengthened is called

A) shaping.
B) acquisition.
C) generalization.
D) spontaneous recovery.

Acquisition

In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response.

Electric Shock

A sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body, which can cause damage or stimulation.

Shaping

A method of behavior training in which successive approximations toward a target behavior are reinforced.