Which of the following examples best illustrates the principle of sensory adaptation?
A) the shock felt by a swimmer who jumps into a pool of ice cold water
B) your awareness of the weight of your backpack when you first pick it up
C) the irritation felt when your roommate turns on your bedroom light at 3 a.m.
D) your eventual failure to notice the background music at a restaurant
E) A and B are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation refers to the tendency of our senses to adjust and become less sensitive to constant or familiar stimuli. Option D best illustrates this principle as we eventually fail to notice the background music at a restaurant after being exposed to it for a certain period of time. Options A, B, and C do not involve a decrease in sensitivity or adaptation to a constant stimulus. Option E is incorrect as option A and B are not equally relevant in illustrating sensory adaptation.

Which of the Following Examples Best Illustrates the Principle of Sensory