In the context of learning theories, what does sensitization often lead to?

Sensitization is a process that occurs in response to a strong or noxious stimulus, leading to an increased response to subsequent, often milder stimuli. This phenomenon is based on the idea that the initial strong stimulus heightens an organism's awareness or sensitivity to other stimuli in the environment.

When an organism experiences a significant event, it may become more reactive to even slight variations or similar stimuli that follow, which can be attributed to heightened alertness and a change in baseline arousal levels. For example, if a loud noise startles an animal, it may subsequently respond more vigorously to similar, but less intense sounds.

This is distinct from habituation, where repeated exposure to a non-threatening stimulus results in a decreased response. Adaptation to predictable stimuli over time is also related to habituation, as it involves a diminishing response to a commonly encountered and non-threatening stimulus. Likewise, consistent learning without emotional involvement does not relate to sensitization, which often involves increased emotional reactivity due to the association with a strong initial stimulus.

Thus, in the context of learning theories, sensitization is closely linked to the phenomenon of increased responsiveness to mild stimuli following exposure to a strong stimulus.