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Definition Higher order conditioning is a concept in classical conditioning where a neutral stimulus becomes conditioned through its association with another conditioned stimulus, rather than directly with an unconditioned stimulus. It involves creating a chai...

Definition The hindbrain is a region at the base of the brain responsible for controlling vital life-sustaining functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also plays a key role in coordinating movement, balance, and posture. The hindbrain...

Definition Hindsight bias is a psychological phenomenon where people believe, after an event has occurred, that they had predicted or anticipated the outcome beforehand. In reality, this "prediction" often emerges only after the fact and is colored by knowledg...

Definition The hippocampus is a small, curved structure located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It plays a critical role in the formation of new memories, particularly in consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory. The hippocampus ...

Definition Homogamy refers to the tendency of individuals to marry or form relationships with others who are similar to them in terms of social characteristics such as age, education level, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. Thi...

Definition The E.A. Hooten / William H. Sheldon theory of deviance is a perspective that examines how biological factors influence individual behavior, particularly deviant behavior. According to this theory, certain physical characteristics or body types are ...

Definition A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulates various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. Hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to target cells or organs...

Overview Karen Horney (1885–1952) was a German-American psychoanalyst and one of the founding figures of neo-Freudian psychology. Her theory of personality emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors, particularly early childhood experiences, in shaping...

Definition Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, free will, and the innate drive toward self-actualization. Developed as a reaction against both psychoanalysis and behaviorism, it focuses on the w...

Definition A hypnagogic state is the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep. During this brief period, individuals often experience vivid, fragmented thoughts, images, or sensations that can feel dreamlike but are not yet part of a full dream. These ...

Definition A hypnopompic state is the transitional phase between sleep and wakefulness that occurs as a person is waking up. During this time, individuals may experience vivid imagery, thoughts, or sensations that can feel dreamlike or surreal. This state ofte...

Definition Hypnosis is a psychological state characterized by focused attention, increased suggestibility, and an altered perception of reality. It involves guiding someone into a relaxed yet highly aware state where they are more open to accepting suggestions...

Definition The hypothalamus is a small region located at the base of the brain, just above the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's internal balance, or homeostasis, by controlling various essential functions such as body temperat...

Definition A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. Example A researcher, after reviewing the academic literature related to narcissistic characteristics, finds that there has been very little mention of the potential connec...

Definition "The 'I' and the 'Me'" are two key concepts in George Herbert Mead's social behaviorism, which refers to different aspects of the self in human interaction. The "Me" represents the socially conditioned part of an individual's identity, shaped by soc...

Definition The id is a term from psychology, specifically Freudian (psychodynamic) theory, referring to the primitive part of the psyche that seeks immediate gratification of basic desires, such as hunger, sex, and aggression. It operates on the See Also"pleas...

Definition Ideal Self: The "ideal self" refers to the version of oneself that a person aspires to be. It represents their hopes, desires, and goals for personal growth and is often shaped by values, beliefs, and societal expectations. Real Self: The "real self...

Definition Implicit memory refers to the unconscious retention of information or experiences that influences our behavior and thought processes without us actively trying to recall them. Unlike explicit memory, which involves conscious recollection (like remem...

Definition Individuation is the process of becoming a whole and integrated person by bringing the unconscious into conscious awareness. In Jungian psychology, it represents the lifelong journey toward psychological balance and authenticity. Rather than strivi...

Definition The Indivisible Self Model is a psychological concept that emphasizes the idea that individuals are holistic beings who cannot be fully understood by examining only one aspect of their identity or experiences. It suggests that our personal, professi...