AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does habituation refer to in psychology?

1. Increased sensitivity to repeated stimuli

2. Learning new behaviors through rewards

3. Reduced response to a stimulus after repeated exposure

4. Emotional responses to stressful situations

The correct answer is: Reduced response to a stimulus after repeated exposure

Habituation refers to the process by which an organism decreases its behavioral response to a stimulus after repeated exposure to that stimulus. When faced with a particular stimulus repeatedly, the initial strong reactions often diminish over time, as the organism learns that the stimulus is no longer novel or a threat. This phenomenon is critical in understanding how creatures adapt to their environments and can be seen in various species, including humans, as they grow accustomed to certain sounds, sights, or sensations. In contrast, the other concepts listed involve different mechanisms. Increased sensitivity to repeated stimuli refers to sensitization, which is the opposite of habituation. Learning new behaviors through rewards is tied to operant conditioning, highlighting the role of reinforcement rather than exposure. Emotional responses to stressful situations pertain to stress responses and are not directly related to the concept of habituation, which focuses on the decline of response to non-threatening stimuli.