Spontaneous recovery

/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs ɹɪˈkʌv.ɚ.i/ noun

Definition

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period without further conditioning trials.

Etymology

From Latin 'spontaneus' (of one's own accord) + 'recuperare' (to recover). The response recovers on its own.

Kelly Says

Spontaneous recovery is an extinct behavior making a surprise comeback — even after it fades, a rest period can bring it back, proving it wasn't truly forgotten!

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