What is the emotional response of a dog subjected to a discrimination task that is no longer feasible?

The emotional response of a dog subjected to a discrimination task that is no longer feasible is best characterized by experimental neurosis. This term refers to a condition where an animal experiences confusion and stress due to the inability to predict outcomes based on their previous experiences. When a discrimination task becomes unfeasible, the dog may become frustrated or anxious, exhibiting signs of distress as it tries to make sense of the changing situation.

In experimental neurosis, the animal may display abnormal behaviors, such as agitation or withdrawal, as it is overwhelmed by conflicting cues or the unpredictability of the task. This response results from the dog's struggle to understand and adapt to the shifting demands of the task, ultimately leading to emotional distress. Understanding this concept is crucial in recognizing how dogs process information and the impact of training methods on their psychological well-being.

The other options suggest different responses or phenomena that don't align with the confusion and emotional turmoil characterized by experimental neurosis. For example, escape/avoidance response pertains to an immediate reaction to a stressor, while spontaneous recovery involves a reemergence of a previously extinguished behavior after a pause. Discrimination refers to the ability to differentiate between stimuli rather than the emotional response to a failed task.