Which emotional response does classical counter conditioning aim to alter?

Classical counter conditioning focuses on changing the emotional response of an animal from a negative state to a positive state. In the context of fear-based behaviors, it involves pairing a previously feared stimulus with a positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to help the animal associate that stimulus with a more favorable experience.

By consistently applying this technique, the goal is to replace the negative emotional response (such as fear or anxiety) with a positive one, therefore transforming the way the animal feels about specific stimuli. This process is particularly useful in situations where an animal exhibits a fear reaction, as it helps to create a new and more appropriate emotional response to what was once a terrifying experience.

In contrast, the other options suggest either an incorrect direction of emotional change or do not align with the principles of counter conditioning. For instance, transforming a neutral response to fearful would not involve counter conditioning, as the approach seeks to improve a negative response rather than create one.