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Definition In psychology, particularly within Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory, the ego refers to one of three components of the human personality structure. The ego operates on the "reality principle," which means it mediates between the primitive desires...

Definition Emotion refers to a complex psychological state that involves subjective feelings, physiological responses, and behaviors. It is a response to a specific event, situation, or stimulus and often serves adaptive functions, such as motivating behavior,...

Definition Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge gained through experience, observation, and experimentation rather than relying solely on intuition, reasoning, or theoretical assumptions. It asserts that true knowledge comes from se...

Definition Encoding is the process of converting information from our environment into a form that can be stored in our memory. It’s like taking raw data, such as what you see, hear, or experience. and transforming it into a format your brain can understand an...

Definition Encoding failure occurs when our brain fails to successfully convert information from our sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory. This means the information doesn't make it past short-term memory and isn't effectively retained, makin...

Definition The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce and release hormones that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. These hormones control essential processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, s...

Definition Endogamy refers to a marriage practice where individuals marry within their own social group, which can be defined by factors such as ethnicity, religion, caste, or class. This practice often reflects cultural norms and values aimed at maintaining s...

Definition Endorphins are natural chemicals produced in your brain that act as your body’s way of making you feel good or reducing pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in your brain and nervous system, helping to block pain signals and create feeli...

Definition Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how genes are turned on or off, influencing traits such as height, weight, or susceptibility to certain d...

Definition Episodic memory refers to the ability to remember specific personal experiences or events that occurred at particular points in time. It involves recalling details about what happened, where it took place, who was involved, and when it occurred. Unl...

Definition The Estate System was a social hierarchy prevalent in medieval Europe, which divided society into three primary estates: the clergy (those who prayed), the nobility (those who fought), and the commoners (those who worked). This system organized peop...

Definition Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture or ethnic group is superior to others. It often leads individuals to judge other cultures based on their own cultural standards, which can result in misunderstandings, prejudice, or conflict. Ethnoc...

Definition Ethnomethodology is a sociological approach that studies how people create and maintain shared understandings of the world through their daily interactions. It focuses on uncovering the implicit rules, methods, and practices that individuals use to ...

Definition Eustress is a positive form of stress that arises from situations perceived as exciting, challenging, or growth-promoting rather than overwhelming or harmful. Unlike distress, which is negative and can lead to burnout, eustress motivates individuals...

Definition Evolutionary psychology is a theoretical approach to understanding the human mind and behavior through the lens of natural selection. It posits that many psychological traits such as memory, perception, and language are adaptations that evolved to s...

Definition Exchange as social interaction refers to the process where individuals or groups exchange resources, such as goods, services, information, or support, within a social context. This concept emphasizes that exchanges are not just about material transa...

Definition Existential therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals explore and understand their existence, experiences, and the meaning they assign to life. It is based on existential philosophy, which emphasizes personal responsibil...

Definition Exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside one's own social group, which can be defined by factors such as family, ethnicity, or religion. This custom encourages diversity and integration between different communities. Example Consider two n...

Definition Explicit memory refers to the ability to consciously recall specific information or past events. It involves intentional remembering, such as recalling facts, experiences, or skills that you have learned. This type of memory is often referred to as ...

Definition Expulsion, in the context of sociology, refers to the process by which individuals or groups are formally or informally excluded from a social setting due to their behavior, beliefs, or circumstances. This exclusion can occur in various contexts suc...