Psychology Glossary: A Index
These are brief definitions of psychology terms beginning with A. Click on the term for a more detailed definition.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
What Is the Acute Stess Response?
The acute stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, refers to a psychological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically...
The acute stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, refers to a psychological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically...
What Is Aggression?
In psychology, the term aggression refers to a range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself, other or objects in the environment...
In psychology, the term aggression refers to a range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself, other or objects in the environment...
What Is an ABA Design?
An ABA design is a type of experimental design in which participants are first introduced to a baseline condition (A)...
An ABA design is a type of experimental design in which participants are first introduced to a baseline condition (A)...
Abnormal Psychology Definition
A segment of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior...
A segment of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior...
Absolute Threshold Definition
The smallest detectable level of a stimulus...
The smallest detectable level of a stimulus...
Accommodation Definition
Initially proposed by Piaget, the term refers to part of the adaptation process...
Initially proposed by Piaget, the term refers to part of the adaptation process...
Acquisition Definition
The first stages of learning during which a response is established...
The first stages of learning during which a response is established...
Action Potential Definition
An action potential is part of the process undergone during the firing of a neuron...
An action potential is part of the process undergone during the firing of a neuron...
Activation Synthesis Model Definition
The activation-synthesis model is a theory of dreaming developed by researchers J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley...
The activation-synthesis model is a theory of dreaming developed by researchers J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley...
Adaptation Definition
A term referring to the ability to adjust to new information and experiences...
A term referring to the ability to adjust to new information and experiences...
Addiction Definition
A chronic condition characterized by chronic drug-seeking behavior as well as abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances...
A chronic condition characterized by chronic drug-seeking behavior as well as abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical 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...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral and developmental disorder that usually becomes apparent during the preschool and early school years...
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...
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...
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...
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...
An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image and self-starvation despite extremely low body-weight...
Antisocial Personality Disorder Definition
A personality characterized by symptoms such as fire-setting, cruelty to animals, lack of remorse and a lack of empathy...
A personality characterized by symptoms such as fire-setting, cruelty to animals, lack of remorse and a lack of empathy...
Applied Research Definition
Refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems...
Refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems...
Assimilation Definition
A term referring to another part of the adaptation process initially proposed by Piaget...
A term referring to another part of the adaptation process initially proposed by Piaget...
Attention Definition
Attention is a concept studied in cognitive psychology which refers to how we actively process specific information present in our environment...
Attention is a concept studied in cognitive psychology which refers to how we actively process specific information present in our environment...
Avoidant Personality Disorder Definition
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a chronic and pervasive pattern of distorted thought, emotion, behavior, and functioning...
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a chronic and pervasive pattern of distorted thought, emotion, behavior, and functioning...
Attachment Definition
Attachment is an emotional bond between people that endures over a long period of time...
Attachment is an emotional bond between people that endures over a long period of time...
Actor Observer Bias Definition
The actor-observer bias is a term in social psychology that refers to a tendency to attribute one's own action to external causes, while attributing other people's behaviors to internal causes...
The actor-observer bias is a term in social psychology that refers to a tendency to attribute one's own action to external causes, while attributing other people's behaviors to internal causes...