Ames room

an irregularly shaped but apparently rectangular room in which cues for depth perception are used experimentally to distort the viewer’s perception of the relative size of objects within the room. Also called Ames distorted room. [Adelbert Ames Jr. (1880–1955), U.S. psychologist, inventor, and artist]

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

alternative behavior completion

a technique in behavior therapy for extinguishing unwanted habits by substituting an incompatible behavior for the nondesired behavior (e.g., substituting nail care for nail biting). This technique can be practiced in vivo (see in vivo desensitization) or imaginally in the therapy session or assigned as homework. It is often used as an alternative to mild aversion therapy. See also competing response training.