What is the effect called when the perception of a stimulus increases after repeated exposure?

The phenomenon where the perception of a stimulus decreases after repeated exposure is known as sensory adaptation. This process occurs when sensory receptors become less responsive to a constant stimulus over time, leading to a diminished perception of that stimulus. For example, when you first enter a room with a strong smell, the scent may be overwhelming, but after spending some time there, you may hardly notice it at all.

The concept contrasts with the notion that perception increases with repeated exposure, which is not accurately described by the available choices. While sensory rebound is not a standard term, cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs and does not relate to sensory perception. Stimulus familiarity, while it might imply recognizing a stimulus after repeated exposure, does not specifically describe the increase in perception and does not capture the sensory adaptation process accurately. Thus, sensory adaptation is the most fitting term for the decrease in perception following continued exposure to the same stimulus.