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Definition The "birth of sociology" refers to the emergence of sociology as a distinct academic discipline dedicated to studying human behavior and societal structures systematically. It arose during the 19th century, influenced by significant social changes l...

Definition The blooming period refers to a critical stage of development during early childhood when the brain undergoes rapid growth and connectivity. During this time, neurons—specialized cells responsible for transmitting information in the nervous system—...

Definition Bottom-up processing is an approach where information or understanding starts from the most basic elements and gradually builds up to more complex ideas or systems. Instead of starting with a big picture or overall concept, this method focuses on in...

Definition The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in controlling vital bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Often referred to as the "lifeline" of the...

Definition Bureaucracy refers to a system of organization characterized by a hierarchical structure, standardized procedures, and specialized roles designed to efficiently manage tasks within an institution, such as government agencies or large corporations. E...

Definition    The bystander effect refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in need when others are present. This occurs because the responsibility to act is diffused among the group, reducing the likelihood that a...

Definition The Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion, also known as the thalamic theory, suggests that emotions and physical reactions to stimuli occur simultaneously but independently. According to this theory, when you encounter a stimulus (like seeing a snake), you...

Definition The caste system is a social hierarchy in which people are divided into groups based on hereditary factors such as birth, occupation, or cultural identity. These groups, often referred to as castes, have distinct roles and status within society that...

Definition The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system responsible for processing information, controlling voluntary and involuntary movements, and regulating essential body functions. It consists of two main components: the brain and th...

Definition The cerebellum is a part of the brain located at the back of the head, below the cerebral cortex. It plays a crucial role in controlling voluntary movements, balance, posture, and coordination. The cerebellum helps fine-tune motor skills, ensuring t...

Definition The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, often referred to as the "gray matter" because of its color. It is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, attention, perception, and controlling voluntary move...

Definition Checks and Balances is a fundamental principle in democratic governance that ensures no single branch of government can dominate or abuse power. This system divides governmental authority among executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each wit...

Definition A chromosome is a thread-like structure found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic material, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains the instructions needed to build and maintain living organisms. Chromosomes are made up of ...

Definition A circadian rhythm is an internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes in humans and many other organisms. It operates on a roughly 24-hour cycle and is influenced by external factors like light and ...

Definition Classical conditioning is a psychological learning process where an individual learns to associate a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus, resulting in a learned response. It was first described by Ivan Pavlov and involves the pairing of two ...

Definition A class system is a social hierarchy in which individuals are categorized based on shared characteristics such as wealth, income, education, occupation, or social status. These categories form distinct groups, or classes, that often influence access...

Definition Coercion refers to the use of force, threats, or pressure to influence someone’s behavior or decisions against their will. It often involves compelling someone to act in a certain way by leveraging fear, intimidation, or negative consequences. Coerc...

Definition Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. It encompasses a wide range of activities such as perception, memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, deci...

Definition Cognitive appraisal is a psychological process where individuals evaluate situations to determine their relevance, significance, and implications for their well-being. It involves two key stages: primary appraisal and secondary appraisal. Primary A...

Definition Cognitive approaches to therapy that focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being and behavior. Cognitive therapy operates on the principle that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected,...