ABA Design Definition
An ABA design is a type of experimental design that involves starting with a baseline condition before testing an experimental variable.
Acetylcholine Definition
Acetylcholine is found in the central and peripheral nervous systems and is the most common neurotransmitter. Learn more about the discovery and functions of acetylcholine.
Action Potential Definition
An action potential is an important part of the neural firing process. Learn more about what an action potential is and how it contributes to transmitting neural messages...
Actor Observer Bias Definition
In social psychology, we tend to attribute our own actions to external factors and other people's actions to internal ones. Why do we do this? Learn more about the psychology behind the actor-observer bias.
Acute Stess Response Definition
The acute stress response is commonly referred to as the flight-or-flight response. It describes how the body reacts when confronted with a stressful situation.
Addiction Definition
Addiction is marked by drug-seeking behaviors in addition to the abuse of psychoactive substances...
ADHD Definition
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral and developmental disorder that usually becomes apparent during the preschool and early school years...
Adrenal Glands Definition
Adrenal glands are a type of endocrine gland that are triangle-shaped and located on top of the kidneys...
Adult ADHD Definition
The symptoms of adult ADHD are the same as those experienced by children with ADHD, but it is usually more difficult to recognize the symptoms of impulsivity, distractibility and restlessness in adults...
Ageism Definition
Ageism is a form of prejudice characterized by discrimination against people based on their age. Much like other forms of prejudice, agism involves holding negative beliefs about people of certain ages...
Aggression Definition
In psychology, aggression involves numerous types of actions that can hurt or harm oneself or other people...
Agoraphobia Definition
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder marked by fear and avoidance of public places. Find out more about symptoms and treatments for this agoraphobia.
Algorithm Definition
Algorithms are often used in mathematics and problem solving. Learn more about what an algorithm is and how it compares to other problem-solving strategies.
All-or-None Law Definition
The all-or-none law is a principle that applies to the firing of neurons. Learn more about what the all-or-none law is and how it relates to neural firing.
Altruism Definition
Altruism is the opposite of selfishness, and involves doing for others without any expectation of reward...
Amygdala Definition
The amygdala is a small structure found in the limbic system and association with emotions, aggression and memory...
Anal Stage Definition
The anal stage is the second stage of Freud’s stages of psychosexual development, lasting from age 18 months to three years...
Anorexia Nervosa Definition
An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image and self-starvation despite extremely low body-weight...
Archetypes Defintion
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed that archetypes are models of people, behaviors or personalities. Jung suggested that the psyche was composed of three components: the ego, the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious..
Assimilation Definition
Assimilation refers part of Jean Piaget's adaptation process in which people take in new information...
Attention Definition
Attention is a concept studied in cognitive psychology which refers to how we actively process specific information present in our environment...
Authoritarian Parenting Definition
Authoritative parenting is a parenting style characterized by strict rules, harsh punishments and little warmth. Learn more about the authoritarian parenting style and the effect it has on children...
Authoritative Parenting Definition
Authoritative parenting is characterized by parents who hold high expectations and set clear guidelines, but are responsive and nurturing to their children...
Autocratic Leadership Definition
Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members...
Autonomic Nervous System Definition
The autonomic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that is regulates involuntary body functions including digestion and heartbeat.
Availability Heuristic
An availability heuristic is a type of mental shortcut that involves basing judgements on information and examples that immediately spring to mind.
Aversion Therapy Definition
Aversion therapy is a form of treatment that utilizes behavioral principles to eliminate unwanted behavior. Learn more about the uses, effectiveness and criticisms of aversion therapy.
Axon Definition
The axon is an essential part of the neuron and is vital for the transmission of nerve impulses. Learn more about what an axon is and how it works...
Arousal Theory Definition
The arousal theory of motivation suggests that our behavior is motivated by a need to maintain an optimal level of arousal. Learn more about how the arousal theory of motivation works.
