Which of the following is an example of dishabituation?

The correct answer is Myra regaining interest in the rattle after having set it down for a few minutes. Dishabituation refers to the recovery of interest in a stimulus after it has been presented repeatedly and has thus become less interesting or familiar over time.

In this scenario, Myra initially shows interest in the rattle, which likely diminishes when she stops playing with it for a period. However, when she picks it up again and finds her interest rekindled, this change indicates that she has dishabituated, experiencing renewed interest after a brief break. This phenomenon supports the understanding that our attention can fluctuate based on familiarity and novelty.

Other options do not represent dishabituation: someone playing with a toy for hours without losing interest demonstrates sustained attention rather than a resurgence of interest. Ignoring a new toy after initial excitement reflects habituation, where the novelty wears off, and the child doesn't engage with it anymore. Similarly, a toddler becoming accustomed to the sound of a clock ticking illustrates habituation—the child becomes desensitized to a constant stimulus rather than showing renewed interest.