This morning, a very loud clap of thunder right outside your window startled you. For the rest of the day, any kind of loud sound-a car backfiring, a dropped dish-causes you to jump out of your chair. This is an example of
A) sensory adaptation.
B) habituation.
C) associative learning.
D) sensitization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of sensitization, which is an increase in response to a stimulus following exposure to an intense or aversive stimulus. The initial loud clap of thunder serves as the aversive stimulus that sensitizes the individual to other loud sounds throughout the day. Sensitization is the opposite of habituation, which is a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus. Sensory adaptation refers to a decrease in response to a prolonged stimulation. Associative learning refers to the process in which an individual learns to associate one stimulus or behavior with another through repeated pairings.

This Morning, a Very Loud Clap of Thunder Right Outside