To help Kathy overcome her fear of the new family puppy, her father gives her a hot fudge sundae and then, while she eats it, gradually brings the puppy closer and closer to her. The procedure works because Kathy cannot be happy eating the ice cream and fearful about the puppy at the same time. Being happy and being fearful are, in this situation,

Question

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Incompatible responses refer to two responses that cannot occur simultaneously. In this situation, Kathy's fear of the puppy and her enjoyment of the hot fudge sundae are incompatible responses because she cannot experience both at the same time. By gradually introducing the puppy while she is enjoying the sundae, her fear response is replaced by her enjoyment response, allowing her to become comfortable with the puppy. This technique is known as counter-conditioning.

To Help Kathy Overcome Her Fear of the New Family