Which term describes the perceived linkage of events that occur close in time?

Which term describes the perceived linkage of events that occur close in time?

• A. Contingency
• B. Punishment
• C. Contiguity
• D. Extinction

Answer: (C)

The main concept tested here is contiguity—the idea that two events become linked in our perception when they occur close together in time (and often space). When events happen near each other in time, our brains tend to connect them, forming an association; the closer in time the two events occur, the stronger that perceived link tends to be. This underpins how learning often happens: if a neutral event repeatedly occurs just before a meaningful one, we start to anticipate the meaningful event because our minds interpret the close timing as related. The other terms describe different ideas. Contingency is about whether one event reliably predicts another, not about the closeness of timing. Punishment refers to a consequence that reduces the chance a behavior will occur again. Extinction is when a learned response fades after reinforcement stops.

The main concept tested here is contiguity—the idea that two events become linked in our perception when they occur close together in time (and often space). When events happen near each other in time, our brains tend to connect them, forming an association; the closer in time the two events occur, the stronger that perceived link tends to be. This underpins how learning often happens: if a neutral event repeatedly occurs just before a meaningful one, we start to anticipate the meaningful event because our minds interpret the close timing as related.

The other terms describe different ideas. Contingency is about whether one event reliably predicts another, not about the closeness of timing. Punishment refers to a consequence that reduces the chance a behavior will occur again. Extinction is when a learned response fades after reinforcement stops.