Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
10:28
Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Sensitization and habituation regulate reinforcer effectiveness
Frances K McSweeney1, Eric S Murphy
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, PO Box 644820, Pullman, WA 99164-4820, USA.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Repeated exposure to reinforcers causes sensitization and habituation, altering their influence on behavior. These processes explain changes in operant responding within sessions, expanding habituation
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Learning Theory
Background:
- Sensitization and habituation are typically studied with neutral stimuli.
- Their role in modulating the behavioral effects of biologically significant stimuli, like reinforcers, is less understood.
- Operant responding rates can change within experimental sessions despite constant reinforcement schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that sensitization and habituation occur to the sensory properties of reinforcers.
- To argue that these processes modify the reinforcing efficacy of stimuli.
- To extend the domain of habituation to biologically significant stimuli and operant behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of within-session changes in operant responding.
- Comparison of empirical characteristics of behavioral changes with known properties of sensitization and habituation.
- Examination of dishabituation and stimulus specificity to differentiate habituation from alternative explanations.
Main Results:
- Operant response rates systematically change within sessions under constant reinforcement.
- These within-session changes exhibit characteristics consistent with sensitization and habituation.
- Dishabituation and stimulus specificity support habituation as an explanation.
Conclusions:
- Habituation and sensitization apply to reinforcers, influencing their control over behavior.
- Habituation extends to biologically important stimuli and operant (voluntary) behaviors.
- Habituation offers a parsimonious explanation for motivated behaviors, potentially supplanting homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
Once a behavior is learned,...
Once a behavior is learned,...
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
01:20Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
Several...
Several...
01:21Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...