Habituation: n. the reduction of psychological or behavioral response occurring when a specific stimulus occurs repeatedly
Habituation is when we are exposed to a recurring stimulus and become accustomed to it so much that we pay less attention to it. It differs from sensory adaptation in that it involves accessible conscious control in the brain, and not in the sensory organs. It is not influenced by the intensity of the stimulus, but is influenced by the length and recency of prior exposures.
For example, the hum of the bathroom ventilator may bother you at first, but as you habituate to the sound, you ignore it. Tinnitus (when a person experiences ringing in the ears) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are examples of failed habituation.
Reference:
Sternberg, R.J., Sternberg, K.; (2011) Cognitive Psychology.
Wadsworth Publishing.
Definition from:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/habituation
For example, the hum of the bathroom ventilator may bother you at first, but as you habituate to the sound, you ignore it. Tinnitus (when a person experiences ringing in the ears) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are examples of failed habituation.
Reference:
Sternberg, R.J., Sternberg, K.; (2011) Cognitive Psychology.
Wadsworth Publishing.
Definition from:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/habituation