SENSING&RESPONDING: sensitisation & dual process theory

Question 1

define reflex sensitisation

Answer 1

increase in reflex responsiveness following aversive stimulation

Question 2

how does reflex sensitisation differ to reflex habituation?

Answer 2

• opposite effect
• quicker
• non specific - affects all defensive avoidance and related reflexes not just elicited response

Question 3

what is the dual process theory?

Answer 3

sensitisation undoes the effects of habituation and vice versa
- depends on which process has larger effect

Question 4

define opponent processes

Answer 4

processes which have opposite effects on behaviour act in opposition to each other

Question 5

describe the engagement of habituation

Answer 5

always engaged by an eliciting stimulus
- responsiveness decreases
- if sensitisation is also engaged, responsiveness increases

Question 6

describe the engagement of sensitisation

Answer 6

may be engaged but depends on how aversive eliciting stimulus is
- if non aversive, habituation is unopposed so responsiveness decreases

Question 7

outcome if stimulus is aversive

Answer 7

habituation is engaged
sensitisation strongly engaged
responsiveness increases

Question 8

outcome if stimulus is non aversive

Answer 8

habituation is engaged
sensitisation weakly engaged
responsiveness decreases

Question 9

outcome if stimulus is slightly aversive

Answer 9

both processes activated
no change in responsiveness