Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A forgotten response refers to the sudden reappearance of a previously learned behavior or response after a period of not being exposed to the conditioned stimulus. It is also known as spontaneous recovery.
The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned behavior when the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with an unconditioned stimulus.