APPERCEPTIVE
a base of previously acquired knowledge with which a new perception or idea must be assimilated if it is to…
APPLIED TENSION
a technique often used in behavior therapy and exposure therapy that focuses on modifying physiological responses (e.g., low blood pressure)…
APPROACH-AVOIDANCE CONFLICT
ambivalence or conflict that arises when a goal has both desirable and undesirable aspects or consequences, leading the individual to…
APTITUDE TEST
an overall assessment instrument or test designed to measure (a) concrete abilities such as dexterity, visual acuity, and clerical performance-…
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…