Which term describes the behavior of turning one's head towards a new voice or visual stimulus?

The term that accurately describes the behavior of turning one's head towards a new voice or visual stimulus is the "Orienting Response." This concept refers to the automatic reaction that occurs when an organism detects a significant change in its environment, prompting it to direct its attention towards the source of that change. This response plays a crucial role in survival, allowing individuals to assess potential threats or interesting stimuli.

In the context of dog training, an orienting response can be essential for understanding how a dog interacts with its surroundings and how it responds to commands or distractions. Recognizing when a dog exhibits this behavior can help trainers determine if the dog is properly focused or if its attention needs to be redirected back to the task at hand.

Other terms listed, such as sensory adaptation, describe a different process where an individual's sensitivity to a constant stimulus decreases over time. Focused attention refers to the ability to concentrate on a specific task or stimulus while ignoring others, which may not immediately involve turning towards a new stimulus. Stimulus reaction denotes any response to stimuli without specifically highlighting the attentional shift inherent in the orienting response.