Groves & Thompson (1970)

Habituation: A dual-process theory.

Psychological Review, 77(5), 419-450

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DOI

Abstract

Presented a dual-process theory of response plasticity to repeated stimulation. 2 hypothetical processes, 1 decremental (habituation) and 1 incremental (sensitization), are assumed to develop independently in the CNS and interact to yield the final behavioral outcome. Behavioral experiments are presented, using both the hindlimb flexion reflex of acute spinal cat and the acoustic startle response of intact rat, which are consistent with this theory. Neurophysiological experiments indicate that the 2 processes have separate and distinct neuronal substrates. The dual-process theory and other current theories of response habituation are evaluated in terms of these and other recent findings. (6 p. ref.) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)

Reference

Groves, P. M., & Thompson, R. F. (1970). Habituation: A dual-process theory. Psychological Review, 77, 419–450.

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1 mechanism cites this source. Each finding below is quoted as it appears on that mechanism's own page.

Non-Associative Learning Memory Systems

Definition

Dual-process theory holds that habituation and sensitization are separate processes set off by the same repeated stimulus, and the response people or animals show is the net result of the two