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N., Sam M.S.

Sam holds a masters in Child Psychology and is an avid supporter of Psychology academics.
18571 Articles

EVOLVED MECHANISM

A subsystem of the brain that results from natural selection and solves a problem relating to survival or reproduction of

EX POST FACTO RESEARCH

The research that uses data already collected.

EXACERBATION

The increase in severity of a condition.

EXACT REPLICATION

Repeating an experiment where the goal is to have the conditions as close to the original conditions as possible.

EXAGGERATION

Embellishing or over stating a quality or feature of a person, situation or object.

EXALTATION

The extreme state of euphoria and agitation with a lack of restraint.

EXAMINATION

A test or observation caried out on a patient to evaluate physical and mental health to detect any disorders or

EXAPTATION

An evolved trait for one function is later used for another function. Also called spandrel.

EXCEPTIONAL CHILD

A child who is significantly above or below the average in some respect. See giftedness- slow learner.

EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVITY

The capability of people to make unique contributions to society through work and products of their work. Also called creative

EXCITABILITY

1. The way some people are aroused to emotional responses. 2. property of a neuron reacting to stimulation. See action

EXCITANT

An agent that will make a response.

EXCITATION

An activity elicited in a nerve or muscle when stimulated.

EXCITATION GRADIENT

Principle of stimuli that a similar stimuli will elicit a similar response.

EXCITATION-TRANSFER THEORY

Aggressive rsponses are intensified by arousal from other stimuli not directly related to the original stimulus that started the aggression.

EXCITATORY CONDITIONING

Pavlovian conditioning. Conditioning where a conditioned stimulus acts as a signal that an unconditioned stimulus will follow.

EXCITATORY FIELD

The area of the brain around and sharing the response of an excited sensory area.

EXCITATORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (EPSP)

A depolarising potential in a post synaptic neuron caused by exciatory presynaptic impulses. Compare inhibitory post synaptic potential.

EXCITATORY SYNAPSE

A synapse where the firing of a fibre causes an excitatory post synaptic potential in the post synaptic neuron. Compare

EXCITATORY THRESHOLD

The intensity of a stimulus that will trigger a nerve impulse.