Which statement best describes the relationship between habituation and sensitization?

Which statement best describes the relationship between habituation and sensitization?

• A. They are the same phenomenon
• B. Sensitization is the opposite of habituation
• C. Sensitization and habituation are unrelated
• D. Habituation always increases responses

Answer: (B)

Non-associative learning covers two opposing ways organisms adjust their responsiveness to stimuli. Habituation happens when a repeated, non-threatening stimulus elicits a progressively smaller response. Sensitization happens when a strong or aversive stimulus makes the organism respond more strongly to subsequent stimuli. Because one process reduces responsiveness while the other increases it, sensitization is best described as the opposite of habituation. The other statements don’t fit: they’re not the same phenomenon, they’re related forms of learning, and habituation does not consistently increase responses.

Non-associative learning covers two opposing ways organisms adjust their responsiveness to stimuli. Habituation happens when a repeated, non-threatening stimulus elicits a progressively smaller response. Sensitization happens when a strong or aversive stimulus makes the organism respond more strongly to subsequent stimuli. Because one process reduces responsiveness while the other increases it, sensitization is best described as the opposite of habituation. The other statements don’t fit: they’re not the same phenomenon, they’re related forms of learning, and habituation does not consistently increase responses.