Question

which of the following is an example of sensory adaptation?

not remembering that you have to study for a test in psychology
cheering for a college football game in the cold winter weather
not realizing how hot the bath water is after soaking in it for a while
being more appreciative of a work of art after studying it for an hour

Explanation:

Define sensory adaptation

Sensory adaptation is a gradual reduction in sensitivity to a constant, unchanging stimulus over time.

Evaluate the given options

• "not remembering that you have to study for a test in psychology" is a memory failure (forgetting), not a sensory process.
• "cheering for a college football game in the cold winter weather" is a behavioral response to an event.
• "not realizing how hot the bath water is after soaking in it for a while" represents a decrease in thermal sensitivity due to continuous exposure to the hot water, which is a classic example of sensory adaptation.
• "being more appreciative of a work of art after studying it for an hour" is a cognitive or aesthetic shift, not a sensory receptor adaptation.

Answer:

• not remembering that you have to study for a test in psychology
• cheering for a college football game in the cold winter weather
• not realizing how hot the bath water is after soaking in it for a while (Correct answer)
• being more appreciative of a work of art after studying it for an hour