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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 |
Abnormal Psychology Definition
A segment of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior...
Absolute Threshold Definition
The smallest detectable level of a stimulus...
Accommodation Definition
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...
Action Potential
An action potential is part of the process undergone during the firing of a neuron...
Activation-Synthesis Model of Dreaming
The activation-synthesis model is a theory of dreaming developed by researchers J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley...
Adaptation
A term referring to the ability to adjust to new information and experiences...
Addiction
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...
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...
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
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...
Applied Research
Refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems...
Assimilation
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...
Avoidant Personality Disorder Definition
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a chronic and pervasive pattern of distorted thought, emotion, behavior, and functioning...

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