The first time Shari ate strawberries she had a minor allergic reaction with some minor itchiness.Now, when she eats strawberries she breaks out in hives all over her arms and stomach.Shari's change in responsiveness illustrates the learning process known as:
A)habituation
B)sensitization
C)desensitization
D)second-order conditioning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensitization is the learning process in which an individual's response to a stimulus increases over time after exposure to an aversive or arousing stimulus. In this case, Shari's allergic reaction to strawberries became more severe over time. The other options are not applicable in this scenario. Habituation refers to the decrease in responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated exposure. Desensitization involves reducing an individual's negative reaction to a stimulus through exposure to it in a controlled manner. Second-order conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with a conditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response. None of these processes apply to Shari's situation.

The First Time Shari Ate Strawberries She Had a Minor