W E S T E R N G O V E R N O R S U N I V E R S I T Y · C O L L E G E O F H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N S
WGU C180 — Section 3
Learning & Memory
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Classical & Operant Conditioning, Memory Processes
Section 3 Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Classical Conditioning 2
3. Operant Conditioning 3
4. Memory 4
,WGU C180 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU C180 — SECTION 3 STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains 56 questions covering Learning and Memory for WGU C180.
Classical Conditioning
1 What is classical conditioning?
A A type of learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a
stimulus that causes a reflexive behavior
B A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments
C A technique in which behavior is changed through secondary reinforcers
D The gradual process of reinforcing responses that get closer to the desired response
Why A is correct: Classical conditioning is a type of learning that occurs when a neutral
stimulus becomes associated (paired) with a stimulus that causes a reflexive behavior.
B — This describes operant conditioning.
C — This describes behavior modification.
D — This describes shaping.
, 2 What is an unconditioned stimulus?
A A stimulus that elicits an automatic unconditioned response without requiring prior
learning
B An originally neutral stimulus that comes to produce a response after pairing
C The reflexive or automatic response elicited by a particular stimulus
D A response that depends on pairing the CS with a UCS
Why A is correct: An unconditioned stimulus elicits an automatic unconditioned response
without requiring prior learning.
B — This describes a conditioned stimulus.
C — This describes an unconditioned response.
D — This describes a conditioned response.
3 What is an unconditioned response?
A A stimulus that elicits an automatic response
B An originally neutral stimulus that comes to produce a response
C The reflexive or automatic response elicited by a particular stimulus
D A response that depends on pairing the CS with a UCS
Why C is correct: An unconditioned response is the reflexive or automatic response elicited
by a particular stimulus.
A — This describes an unconditioned stimulus.
B — This describes a conditioned stimulus.
D — This describes a conditioned response.
WGU C180 — Section 3
Learning & Memory
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Classical & Operant Conditioning, Memory Processes
Section 3 Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Classical Conditioning 2
3. Operant Conditioning 3
4. Memory 4
,WGU C180 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU C180 — SECTION 3 STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains 56 questions covering Learning and Memory for WGU C180.
Classical Conditioning
1 What is classical conditioning?
A A type of learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a
stimulus that causes a reflexive behavior
B A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments
C A technique in which behavior is changed through secondary reinforcers
D The gradual process of reinforcing responses that get closer to the desired response
Why A is correct: Classical conditioning is a type of learning that occurs when a neutral
stimulus becomes associated (paired) with a stimulus that causes a reflexive behavior.
B — This describes operant conditioning.
C — This describes behavior modification.
D — This describes shaping.
, 2 What is an unconditioned stimulus?
A A stimulus that elicits an automatic unconditioned response without requiring prior
learning
B An originally neutral stimulus that comes to produce a response after pairing
C The reflexive or automatic response elicited by a particular stimulus
D A response that depends on pairing the CS with a UCS
Why A is correct: An unconditioned stimulus elicits an automatic unconditioned response
without requiring prior learning.
B — This describes a conditioned stimulus.
C — This describes an unconditioned response.
D — This describes a conditioned response.
3 What is an unconditioned response?
A A stimulus that elicits an automatic response
B An originally neutral stimulus that comes to produce a response
C The reflexive or automatic response elicited by a particular stimulus
D A response that depends on pairing the CS with a UCS
Why C is correct: An unconditioned response is the reflexive or automatic response elicited
by a particular stimulus.
A — This describes an unconditioned stimulus.
B — This describes a conditioned stimulus.
D — This describes a conditioned response.
