Although the sound is unfamiliar, when 6-month-old Ashley sees the flashing lights on the police car, she keeps her eyes locked on the lights. She also begins to show a decrease in heart rate. Which concept best explains Ashley's reaction?
A) operant conditioning
B) an orienting response
C) habituation
D) the stable-order principle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An orienting response is the natural tendency to pay attention to new or unusual stimuli in the environment, which is consistent with Ashley's response to the flashing lights on the police car. The decrease in heart rate can also be seen as a sign of relaxation or decreased arousal, which often accompanies an orienting response. Operant conditioning and habituation involve learning over time, which is not necessarily what is happening with Ashley in this specific moment. The stable-order principle refers to the idea that people prefer consistency and predictability, which is not directly relevant to Ashley's reaction to the police car lights.

Although the Sound Is Unfamiliar, When 6-Month-Old Ashley Sees the Flashing