Elicit means to bring forth evoke.
In psychology, "elicit" means to bring out or draw out a response or behavior. Elicitation can be used in a variety of contexts, including research, assessment, and treatment. Here are a few examples of how "elicit" might be used in the field of psychology:
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Eliciting a response: Researchers might use elicitation techniques, such as presenting specific stimuli or asking specific questions, in order to elicit a particular response from study participants. For example, a researcher might use a picture of a scared face to elicit an fearful response in a study on emotion.
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Eliciting a behavior: A therapist might use elicitation techniques, such as asking specific questions or using role-playing, in order to elicit a particular behavior from a client during a therapy session. For example, a therapist might use role-playing to elicit assertive communication skills in a client with social anxiety.
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Eliciting a memory: A clinician might use elicitation techniques, such as asking specific questions or using association, in order to elicit a particular memory from a patient. For example, a clinician might use association to help a patient with PTSD remember a traumatic event that they are unable to recall spontaneously.
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Eliciting a reflex: A researcher might use elicitation techniques, such as tapping a specific muscle or presenting a specific stimulus, in order to elicit a reflexive response in a study on reflexes. For example, a researcher might use a loud noise to elicit a startle reflex in a study on the neural basis of emotion.