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counterconditioning

n. an experimental procedure in which a nonhuman animal, already conditioned to respond to a stimulus in a particular way, is trained to produce a different response to the same stimulus that is incompatible with the original response. This same principle underlies many of the techniques used in behavior therapy to eliminate unwanted behavior in people.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

imaging

imaging

n.

1. the process of scanning the brain or other organs or tissues to obtain an optical image that can be used for medical and research purposes, such as locating abnormalities or studying anatomy and function. Techniques used include computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET), anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The imaging may be either static or dynamic. See also brain imaging; nuclear imaging.

2. in therapy, the use of suggested mental images to control body function, including the easing of pain. See also imagery technique; visualization.