superstitious ritual

a specific pattern of behavior that is believed to control one’s performance and its outcome when there is no rational reason for this belief. Failure to follow the ritual is believed to have negative effects on performance and outcome. In sport, for example, such rituals might include putting items of a uniform on in a specific order or having team members enter a competition venue in a specific order. Also called superstitious routine.

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Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

binocular suppression

the ability of stimulation through one eye to inhibit the response or sensitivity to stimulation through the other eye. See binocular rivalry.