Habituation

Habituation is a form of non-associative learning in which there is a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure. This phenomenon, observed across various species, serves an adaptive purpose by allowing organisms to filter out irrelevant or inconsequential stimuli, conserving energy and attention for more salient or potentially dangerous events. The neural basis of habituation involves changes in synaptic transmission, leading to a reduced probability of a response. This process is crucial for survival, as it prevents sensory overload and facilitates focused responses to meaningful environmental changes. Essentially, habituation represents a cognitive process where the brain learns to disregard repetitive and harmless sensory inputs, improving overall efficiency.

Habituation meaning with examples

• Initially, the loud construction noises next door were distracting and disruptive. However, after several days of constant hammering and drilling, the residents found themselves less and less bothered by the sound. They had experienced habituation to the auditory stimulus, effectively filtering it out as unimportant to daily life. They eventually were able to ignore the noise and focus on their daily routines. Their brains began to view the repetitive sound as safe and inconsequential.
• A baby may initially startle at the sight of a new toy, crying or looking away. Yet, when the toy is presented repeatedly, the infant becomes habituated and shows less response, even starting to reach out and explore. This adaptation of response allows the child to focus more easily on learning about the world around them. This adaptation also teaches them what is safe.
• Researchers studying animal behavior often use habituation to reduce the influence of human presence during observation. By repeatedly exposing the animals to the observers, the animals become less fearful and more likely to exhibit their natural behaviors. They may learn to associate the researcher with no threat and behave as they normally would in their habitat. This is also an indicator of the strength of the stimulus.
• Living near an airport can mean a lot of repeated exposure to jet engine sounds. At first, residents likely experienced a great deal of distraction and frustration from the noise pollution. Over time, they will likely start to habituate. This is not to say that they like the noise, but their mental response to it reduces over time. They may become more able to screen it out.