Search Results

Definition A prototype in psychology is a mental representation of the most typical or central example of a category. It serves as a cognitive tool that helps individuals quickly categorize objects, concepts, or people by comparing them to this idealized stand...

Definition The pruning period refers to a critical phase in human brain development, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood, where the nervous system selectively eliminates unused or weak neural connections. This process helps refine brain circuit...

Definition The Psychoanalytic Approach to Deviance is a psychological approach that seeks to explain deviant behavior (actions that violate social norms) through the lens of unconscious motivations and inner conflicts. Rooted in Freudian psychology, this theor...

Definition Psychoanalytic, (psychodynamic) theory is a psychological framework developed by Sigmund Freud that focuses on understanding human behavior through the exploration of unconscious desires, thoughts, and experiences. According to this theory, much of ...

Definition A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, refers to conditions that affect how people think, feel, or behave. These disorders can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life, such as work, school, relationships, or socia...

Definition Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the immediate support provided to individuals who are experiencing emotional distress or psychological trauma. It involves offering comfort, reassurance, and practical assistance in a compassionate and non-intrusive ...

Definition Psychological theories of deviance are frameworks that explain why individuals engage in behaviors that deviate from societal norms, laws, or expected standards. These theories focus on internal psychological factors, such as personality traits, cog...

Definition Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders or psychological disturbances that significantly affect an individual's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall functioning. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety disord...

Definition The psychosexual theory of development is a psychological model proposed by Sigmund Freud that explains how personality develops through various stages focused on different erogenous zones or areas of the body. According to Freud, each stage represe...

Definition The Psychosocial Stages of Development are a theory developed by psychologist Erik Erikson that describes how individuals grow and develop through different stages of life. Each stage presents unique challenges or "crises" that must be resolved for ...

Definition Psychotic disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, and behavior. People with psychotic disorders often experience hallucinations (sensing things that aren't real) or delusions (false be...

Definition Public opinion refers to the collective attitudes, beliefs, or feelings held by a group of people about a particular issue, event, or topic. It represents the shared perspective of individuals within a society or subgroup on matters that are conside...

Definition A Punnett Square is a diagram used in genetics to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a cross between two parents. Developed by Reginald Punnett, it provides a simple way to organize and visualize how alleles combine duri...

Definition Research involving non-numerical data, often used to understand concepts or experiences. Example A researcher wants to better understand the experiences of teenagers who start vaping. The research conducts interviews and surveys to identify common...

Definition Research involving numerical data and statistical analysis. Example A researcher wants to examine the relationship between social media usage and self-esteem among teenagers. The researcher distributes a survey to 500 high school students, asking t...

Definition Race and Ethnicity Race: A socially constructed category based on perceived physical differences such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It is important to note that race has no biological basis but is instead a product of societal ...

Definition Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by quick, darting movements of the eyes under closed eyelids. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and the body experiences temporary muscle paralysis, which prevents us from ...

Definition Rationality refers to the ability to think clearly, make decisions, and solve problems based on logic, reason, and evidence rather than emotion or unfounded beliefs. It involves analyzing information systematically, considering the consequences of d...

Definition Rationality is the approach of using logic, reason, and systematic thinking to understand or explain phenomena. It relies on abstract reasoning, principles, and theoretical frameworks to arrive at conclusions. Empiricism, on the other hand, emphasiz...

Definition Recall is the process of retrieving stored information from memory when needed. It involves accessing previously learned or experienced knowledge, skills, or experiences that have been encoded and stored in the brain. Recall can be influenced by fac...