What term refers to unlearned behaviors evoked by certain stimuli?

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Get ready for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Exam. Practice with hints and explanations to improve your understanding. Master your exam preparation today!

The term that refers to unlearned behaviors evoked by certain stimuli is "reflex." Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to specific stimuli. For instance, when a doctor taps your knee, the quick jerk of the leg is a reflex. These behaviors do not require conscious thought or prior learning; they are hardwired into our nervous system and occur naturally in response to certain triggers.

In contrast, instincts refer to more complex patterns of behavior that are not only automatic but also involve a series of coordinated actions that are typically seen in animals as part of their survival. Conditioned responses, on the other hand, are learned behaviors that occur as a result of conditioning processes, such as classical or operant conditioning, which require prior experience and association with stimuli. Operant behavior refers to actions that are influenced by the consequences that follow them, such as rewards or punishments. These are voluntary behaviors rather than automatic responses.

Thus, reflexes represent innate, immediate reactions to stimuli, distinguishing them from other forms of behavior that involve learning or deliberation.