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reversibility

n. in Piagetian theory, a mental operation that reverses a sequence of events or restores a changed state of affairs to the original condition. It is exemplified by the ability to realize that a glass of milk poured into a bottle can be poured back into the glass and remain unchanged. Reversibility can be expressed in terms of negation or compensation. See also conservation.

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Psychology term of the day

October 15th 2024

Kohnstamm test

Kohnstamm test

a demonstration frequently used to prepare an individual for hypnosis. The participant is asked to press an arm backward against a wall for a minute or two and then to step away, allowing the arm to relax. What follows is a natural reflexive tendency for the arm to rise, known as Kohnstamm’s phenomenon. Believing that the reflex has occurred because of the hypnotist’s instructions for the task, the participant becomes more inclined to be susceptible to further suggestions during subsequent hypnosis. Also called Kohnstamm maneuver. [Oskar Kohnstamm (1871–1917), German physician]