For days after a powerful earthquake, Lavonne jumped whenever an airplane flew over her house to land at the nearby airport. This response is likely a result of
A) instinct.
B) reflex.
C) habituation.
D) sensitization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensitization is the process by which an organism's response to a particular stimulus increases over time, often due to a traumatic or highly emotional experience. In this case, Lavonne's heightened startle response to airplane noise is likely an example of sensitization resulting from the traumatic experience of the earthquake. It is distinct from reflex or instinctual responses, which are typically innate and automatic, and from habituation, which is a process of diminishing response to repeated exposure to a non-dangerous stimulus.

For Days After a Powerful Earthquake, Lavonne Jumped Whenever an Airplane