Which process involves gradual exposure to a stimulus to reduce its impact?

• A. Extinction
• B. Habituation
• C. Classical conditioning
• D. Counter conditioning

Answer: (B)

Habituation is a simple learning process where the response to a repeated, non-threatening stimulus declines over time. As the stimulus keeps appearing without any consequence, the organism’s nervous system learns that it doesn’t require a reaction, so the reflex or arousal diminishes. This gradual reduction in impact happens without forming a new association or changing the meaning of the stimulus.

This differs from extinction, which is about a learned response fading because the reinforcement or consequence that maintained it is removed, rather than just repeated exposure. Classical conditioning involves forming associations between stimuli, not merely reducing a response to repetition. Counter conditioning aims to change the emotional reaction by pairing the stimulus with a new, positive response.