Learning by exposure to repeated stimulus is known as:
The question is asking for the term when learning happens by repeated exposure. So, maybe it's habituation? Habituation is when you stop responding to a stimulus after repeated exposure. But wait, is that the same as learning? Or is it more about getting used to it?
Alternatively, there's sensitization, which is the opposite—increased response. But the question says "learning by exposure to repeated stimulus." Maybe it's about associative learning? Like classical conditioning where you associate a stimulus with a response. But classical conditioning involves pairing two stimuli, not just repeated exposure.
Wait, there's also the concept of "mere exposure effect" in psychology, where people develop a preference for things they are exposed to repeatedly. But that's more about liking rather than learning. Hmm.
Another possibility is "repetition learning" or "rehearsal," but those aren't standard terms. Let me recall the options. The correct answer is habituation. Because habituation is the decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, which is a form of non-associative learning. So when you're exposed to a stimulus repeatedly and stop responding, that's habituation. For example, if you live near a train track, you eventually stop noticing the noise. That's habituation.
So the core concept here is non-associative learning, specifically habituation. The other options would be operant conditioning (learning through rewards/punishments), classical conditioning (associating stimuli), and sensitization (increased response). The correct answer should be habituation. Let me confirm: yes, habituation is the process where response decreases with repeated stimulus, a form of learning without association. That makes sense.
**Core Concept**
This question examines **non-associative learning**, specifically the reduction of response to a repeated stimulus. **Habituation** is the key term, describing decreased behavioral response to a stimulus after repeated exposure without reinforcement.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
**Habituation** occurs when an organism stops responding to a stimulus after repeated, non-reinforced exposure. For example, a person may initially notice a ticking clock but eventually ignore it. This is a fundamental form of **non-associative learning**, distinct from associative learning (e.g., classical/operant conditioning). It involves **neuroplastic changes** in sensory pathways, reducing signal transmission to the brain.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Classical conditioning* involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a learned response (e.g., Pavlov’s dogs). It requires association, not mere repetition.
**Option B:** *Operant conditioning* uses rewards/punishments to modify behavior (e.g., Skinner’s box). It depends on consequences, not repeated exposure.
**Option D:** *Sensitization* is the *increase* in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure (e.g., heightened fear after trauma). This is the opposite of habituation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Habituation is crucial in **psychiatric and neurological assessments**. For example, patients