Question

Researchers studying newborns use __________ or the decrease in the response to a stimulus that occurs after repeated presentations of the same stimulus, as an indicator of a baby's interest

Short answer

Habituation

Step-by-step solution

Identification of the Psychological Phenomenon

The description clearly describes a psychological concept used to measure changes in a subject's response due to repeated exposure to the same stimulus. This concept is known as habituation.

Application of the Term

Since the researchers are studying the interest of newborns, and in this context, habituation is used as an indicator of baby's interest, we can replace the blank with 'habituation'.

Key concepts

Psychological Concept

Habituation is a fundamental psychological concept that involves a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus over time. It is a form of learning in which an organism diminishes its reaction to a stimulus as it becomes more familiar with it. In the case of newborns, habituation is particularly interesting for researchers as it can reveal how a baby perceives and processes sensory information.

When a novel object or sound is introduced to a newborn, it typically attracts the baby's attention and may elicit a strong response. However, if the same stimulus is presented repeatedly, the baby may gradually pay less attention and show a weaker response. This decline in interest can be measured and used as an indicator of cognitive development. Through habituation, researchers can infer how quickly an infant learns to recognize a stimulus and whether the baby is developing at a regular pace.

Stimulus-Response

The stimulus-response relationship is an essential component within the realm of psychology and neuroscience that describes how living organisms react to environmental events. The stimulus is any event or object in the environment to which an organism responds, while the response is the reaction of the organism to that stimulus.

For newborns, stimuli can range from sounds and visual patterns to smells and tactile sensations. The initial responses to these stimuli are often reflexive and can involve turning the head toward a sound or looking at bright colors. As stimuli are repeated, the responses generally become less pronounced, which is the process of habituation. Understanding the stimulus-response model helps caregivers and psychologists assess the sensory and learning capabilities of infants. It also provides insights into the typical developmental trajectories and potential challenges in child development.

Child Development Psychology

Child development psychology is a specialized field that studies the psychological changes that occur as children grow. This area of psychology considers a broad range of developmental stages and the cognitive, emotional, and social growth that takes place during each phase.

In the context of habituation in newborns, child development psychologists are interested in how infants interact with and adapt to their surroundings. The process of how babies learn to focus on what is novel and ignore repeated, irrelevant stimuli is critical in cognitive development. This adaptation is a part of learning to regulate attention and prioritize information – skills that will become integral as the child matures. Habits formed during infancy can also influence future learning and behavior, making habituation a key concept in child development psychology.