Assertion (A) Validity

Assertion (A) states that classical conditioning is faster when the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) is presented immediately after the Conditioned Stimulus (CS), compared to when it is presented before.

• This describes the effectiveness of short-delay conditioning (CS followed immediately by UCS) versus backward conditioning (UCS followed immediately by CS).
• Research consistently shows that short-delay conditioning is significantly more effective and faster than backward conditioning.

Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Reason (R) Validity

Reason (R) posits that, from a cognitive perspective, classical conditioning occurs because the CS provides an expectancy about the upcoming UCS.

• This viewpoint, notably supported by Rescorla's work, emphasizes the predictive nature of the CS.
• The CS acts as a signal that leads the organism to expect the UCS.

Therefore, Reason (R) is correct.

Assertion-Reason Linkage

Reason (R) explains the mechanism behind Assertion (A).

• The cognitive perspective highlights that conditioning depends on the CS reliably predicting the UCS, creating an expectancy.
• This predictive relationship is strongest and leads to faster conditioning when the CS immediately precedes the UCS (short-delay), as stated in (A).
• The expectancy generated by the predictive CS is the core reason why the temporal arrangement in (A) results in faster learning.

Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

Final Conclusion

Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).