AREAL LINGUISTICS
the study of specific languages and dialects within a defined geographical area. This branch of linguistics specifically emphasizes regional influences.…
AROMATIZATION HYPOTHESIS
the hypothesis that in rodents, testicular androgens enter the brain and are converted into estrogens by the aromatase enzyme. This…
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
a marriage planned and contracted by the parents or other relatives of the couple. In cultures in which arranged marriages…
ARTHROGRYPOSIS MULTIPLEX CONGENITA
a congenital disorder, caused by genetic factors in 30% of cases. It is marked by distorted joints in different body…
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI)
the use of medical or surgical techniques to achieve conception by introducing sperm into the female reproductive system by artificial…
ASCETICISM
n. refers to a character trait or lifestyle characterized by simplicity, the renunciation of physical pleasures, social withdrawal, and extreme…
ASSIMILATION
n. 1. in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, the process of incorporating new information into pre-existing cognitive schemas. See…
ASSOCIATION NUCLEI
nuclei of the thalamus that does not receive direct input from the ascending sensory systems. These nuclei connect widely to…
ASSOCIATIVE THINKING
an unconscious or uncontrolled cognitive activity in which the mind wanders
ASTIGMATISM
n. a visual disorder that occurs when the light rays of a visual stimulus do not all focus on a…
ATAXIC GAIT
a wide-based, staggering gait, that is often seen in individuals with cerebellar damage, or ataxia.
ATTENDANT CARE
1. nonmedical, in-home personal care provided to individuals with a physical or mental disability. Typically, these people can live independently…
ATTITUDE MEASURE
a procedure in which individuals' attitudes and responses are assigned quantitative values. Several broad categories of this type of measure…
ATTRIBUTABLE RISK
in epidemiology, the incidence rate of a disease or disorder that can be considered to have been caused by exposure…