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Definition Research in which the investigator observes and records behavior without manipulating variables. Example A researcher wishes to gain a better understanding of consumer behavior in big box stores. The researcher observes customer behavior as they i...

Definition When the researcher's expectations influence the data. Example In a 1963 study conducted by Robert Rosenthal and Kermit Fode, students were given rats that were either identified as "maze bright" or "maze dull," and asked to run experiments with th...

Definition Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs) are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety or distress. To alleviate this discomfort, ind...

Definition The occipital lobe is one of the four main regions of the brain, located at the back of the cerebral cortex. It is primarily responsible for processing visual information, such as recognizing colors, shapes, and movements. The occipital lobe works c...

Definition The olfactory system is the part of the body responsible for detecting and processing smells. It includes the nose, which contains specialized sensory cells called olfactory receptors, as well as parts of the brain that interpret these signals to id...

Definition Operant conditioning is a learning process in which an individual’s behavior is modified by its consequences. It occurs when a person or animal learns to associate specific actions with rewards (reinforcements) or punishments, leading them to repeat...

Definition A precise explanation of how a concept will be measured in a study. Example A researcher is attempting to identify the factors that contribute to happiness. Since happiness is an abstract concept, it is a construct that needs to be explicitly defi...

Definition: Organic solidarity refers to a type of social cohesion where individuals in a society are connected through their specialized roles and interdependence rather than shared values or beliefs. It arises in more complex societies where the division of ...

Definition The overjustification effect is a psychological phenomenon where people’s intrinsic motivation (doing something because they enjoy it or find it inherently satisfying) decreases when extrinsic rewards (external incentives like money, prizes, or prai...

Definition Parasomnia refers to a category of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors, movements, or experiences during sleep or while transitioning into or out of sleep. These events often involve partial arousal from sleep and can include activiti...

Definition The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. It is often called the "rest and digest" system because it helps the body relax, conserve energy, and maintain normal func...

Definition The parietal lobe is one of the four main regions of the brain, situated at the top and back of your head. It plays an important role in processing sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and pain, allowing you to feel and respond to your e...

Definition Perception (psychology) is the process by which individuals interpret and organize sensory information to understand and interact with their environment. It involves more than just receiving stimuli through our senses; it also includes how we make s...

Definition The persona is the social face or mask an individual presents to the world. In Jungian psychology, it represents the part of the psyche that adapts to societal expectations and mediates between one’s inner self and the external world. The persona is...

Definition Personality refers to the unique set of traits, behaviors, and patterns of thinking that characterize an individual. It shapes how a person interacts with others, responds to situations, and approaches life. Example Two students are working on a pro...

Definition Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly differ from cultural expectations, causing distress or impairment in personal, social, or occupat...

Definition Personality Types refer to a simplified framework used to categorize individuals based on their behavioral tendencies and preferences in social interactions. These types are often used in introductory psychology or self-help contexts to help people ...

Definition Person-centered therapy is a therapeutic approach developed by psychologist Carl Rogers. It emphasizes the client's capacity for self-healing and growth, positioning the client as the expert of their own experiences. The therapist creates a supporti...

Definition Persuasion is the process of influencing someone's attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors through communication. It often involves presenting arguments or information designed to convince others to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. C...

Definition A phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, such as its physical appearance, behavior, or biochemical properties. These traits are influenced by both the organism's genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental facto...