Habituation occurs when we learn not to respond to a stimulus that is presented repeatedly without change, punishment, or reward. Sensitization occurs when a reaction to a stimulus causes an increased reaction to a second stimulus. ... During habituation, fewer neurotransmitters are released at the synapse.

What is habituation and why does it occur?

Habituation is a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations. For example, a new sound in your environment, such as a new ringtone, may initially draw your attention or even become distracting.

How are behaviors formed from habituation?

Key points. Habituation is a simple learned behavior in which an animal gradually stops responding to a repeated stimulus. ... In operant conditioning, an animal learns to perform a behavior more or less frequently through a reward or punishment that follows the behavior.