Which phenomenon occurs when a repeated stimulus leads to an amplified reaction?

The phenomenon that occurs when a repeated stimulus results in an amplified reaction is known as sensitization. This process involves an increased response to a stimulus following its repeated exposure, leading to heightened sensitivity over time. For instance, if a dog becomes more reactive or fearful in response to a sound with each exposure, this would be an example of sensitization.

In contrast, habituation refers to a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, where the organism learns to ignore the stimulus after recognizing it as harmless. Spontaneous recovery occurs when a previously extinguished behavior re-emerges after a period of time without the stimulus. On the other hand, desensitization is a process used in behavior modification that aims to reduce the reaction to a stimulus through gradual exposure to the stimulus at a level that does not provoke a severe response.

In the context of training and behavior, understanding sensitization is crucial, as it can inform techniques to manage or modify a dog’s reactions to various stimuli in their environment.