A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How do infants typically react to stimuli that have been presented to them repeatedly, according to the habituation principle?

1. Their interest usually increases

2. They show no change in interest

3. They eventually lose interest

4. They become more curious

The correct answer is: They eventually lose interest

The habituation principle describes how individuals, including infants, respond over time to stimuli that they encounter repeatedly. When infants are presented with the same stimulus multiple times, they typically show a decrease in their interest or responsiveness. This process is known as habituation. As they become accustomed to the stimulus, their attention diminishes, indicating that they are losing interest in what is no longer perceived as novel or engaging. This decrease in interest demonstrates their ability to differentiate between new and familiar stimuli, which is an important aspect of cognitive development. In this context, the other responses do not accurately reflect the typical outcomes of habituation. Interest increasing would imply that the stimulus remains engaging over time, which contradicts the principle. Showing no change in interest does not align with the expected behavioral response either, as habituation suggests a clear shift toward reduced responsiveness. Lastly, becoming more curious implies an increase in interest in something known, which does not correspond with the concept of habituation where familiarity leads to a decline in attention.