Alice, a five-year-old, used to cry and protest whenever her mother took her to the dentist for dental checkups. However, after a few visits, Alice stopped crying, even though she still does not like going to the dentist. This change in Alice's response to dental visits is an example of _____.
A) anticipation
B) habituation
C) rumination
D) expectation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alice's change in response to dental visits is an example of habituation - the gradual decrease in the strength or occurrence of a behavior after repeated exposure to the stimulus that produces that behavior. Alice has become accustomed to the dental checkups, which have become less of a novelty and thus less stimulating. The other options are not applicable in this scenario, as anticipation refers to the prediction of or preparation for a future event, rumination implies dwelling on a thought or experience, and expectation suggests a strong belief in a certain outcome.

Alice, a Five-Year-Old, Used to Cry and Protest Whenever Her