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Definition Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that describes the mental discomfort or tension experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas at the same time. This discomfort arises when there is a confl...

Definition Cognitive distortions are patterns of thinking that are based on beliefs or perceptions that do not align with reality. These distorted thoughts can influence how people interpret situations, leading to emotional distress or maladaptive behaviors. T...

Definition A cognitive map is an internal mental representation of one's surroundings or knowledge structure. It helps individuals navigate physical spaces, understand relationships between concepts, and make decisions by organizing information in a way that m...

Definition Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. It views the mind as an information processor, similar to a computer, emphasizing how individuals...

Definition The cognitive stages of development are a theory introduced by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, which describes how children develop thinking, reasoning, and understanding over time. According to Piaget, children progress through four distinct stages...

Definition Collective behavior refers to the spontaneous, temporary, and unstructured actions of a large group of people who are influenced by shared circumstances or emotions. Unlike organized social movements or formal groups, collective behavior often arise...

Definition Collective Conscience (also called collective consciousness) refers to the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that are common among members of a society or social group. It represents the collective moral framework that binds individuals t...

Definition The collective unconscious is the deepest layer of the human psyche, containing universal patterns and potentialities shared by all people. According to Carl Jung, it is distinct from the personal unconscious, which holds an individual’s forgotten e...

Definition A collectivistic culture is one where the well-being of the group or community is prioritized over individual goals or achievements. In such cultures, people often emphasize harmony, cooperation, and shared responsibilities. Decisions are typically ...

Definition Comorbidity in psychology refers to the occurrence of two or more psychological disorders or conditions simultaneously in an individual. It highlights how mental health issues often overlap, meaning a person can experience multiple challenges at the...

Definition Competition as social interaction refers to the way individuals or groups engage with one another in situations where they strive to achieve a common goal, often resulting in a winner and loser. It is not just about winning but also involves collabo...

Definition A concept in psychology refers to a mental category or framework used to organize, understand, and interpret information about objects, events, or ideas. Concepts help us simplify complex experiences by grouping similar things together based on shar...

Definition A conditioned response is a learned reaction to a specific stimulus that occurs after repeated associations between that stimulus and another event. It is a key concept in classical conditioning, where an initially neutral stimulus becomes linked wi...

Definition A conditioned stimulus (CS) is a neutral signal or event that, after being repeatedly paired with another stimulus that naturally triggers a response, eventually causes the same response on its own. Initially, the CS does not evoke any significant r...

Definition Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms or supports one's existing beliefs, opinions, or expectations while ignoring or dismissing evidence that contradicts them. It occurs because people often seek out, interpret, and r...

Definition Conflict as social interaction refers to a situation where two or more individuals or groups have opposing goals, beliefs, values, or interests that lead to tension, disagreement, or competition. It is a natural part of human relationships and occur...

Definition Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that views society as being shaped by ongoing struggles and competitions among different groups. Unlike structural functionalism, which emphasizes harmony and stability, conflict theory focuses on inequa...

Definition Conflict Theory, when applied to education, is a sociological perspective that examines how educational systems can perpetuate social inequalities and reinforce class distinctions. It posits that the structure of education often benefits dominant gr...

Definition Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to align their behavior, attitudes, or beliefs with those of a group or social norm due to real or imagined pressure from that group. This alignment often occurs even when the individual’s personal ju...

Definition Consciousness is the state of being aware - of ourselves, our surroundings, our thoughts, and our experiences. While this simple definition captures the essence of awareness, the true nature of consciousness remains one of the most debated topics in...