ASYNCHRONY
n. refers to a lack of temporal correspondence in the development of different processes. For example, there is a time…
ATAXIOPHEMIA
a lack of coordination of the muscles used in speaking. It is essentially equivalent to, and sometimes known as, dysarthria.
ATONIC SEIZURE
a rarer, generalized type of seizure in which there is a rapid loss of muscle tone and the individual unexpectedly…
ATTENDING BEHAVIOR
any behavior engaged in while attentively listening. For example, exhibiting an open, interested posture, maintaining eye contact, and using an…
ATTENTIONAL STRATEGY
a pattern of attentional focus for the purpose of the most efficient execution of a task. For example, a paramedic…
ATTITUDE SCALE
a measure or assessment used to assess an attitude - usually for the purpose of comparison.
ATTRIBUTE MODEL OF MEMORY
a model in which different brain regions process different dimensions or attributes of a situation. For example, space, time, sensory…
ATYPICAL FEATURES
symptoms of a major depressive episode or dysthymic disorder that are different from the diagnostic criteria. They may comprise improvement…
AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT
refers to techniques used to assess the number of individuals who are likely to be exposed to a particular media…
AUDITORY AMNESIA
refers to the permanent loss of the ability to comprehend sounds or speech. See also Wernicke
AUDITORY LABYRINTH
the canals, ducts, and cavities in the temporal bone of the skull that contains sensory receptors for hearing. The cochlea…
AUDITORY THRESHOLD I
refers to the minimum level of sound that can be detected and reported by an organism. See also absolute threshold-…
AUTASSASSINOPHILIA
n. a paraphilia in which sexual arousal is facilitated by the belief or fantasy that the person is in danger…
AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER
any one of several pervasive developmental disorders with an onset typically occurring during the preschool years. Each disorder is characterized…
AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIATION
refers to sexual pleasure obtained from being deprived of air during masturbation. It may involve the person hanging him- or…
AUTOMATED NATURAL LANGUAGE UNDERSTANDING
refers to an understanding of speech or writing through computer-based processes. Understanding, in this context, means determining the meaning of…
AUTOMATION
n. the state or condition in which activities are carried out automatically, especially by electronically controlled systems. This behavior is…
AUTONOMIC CONDITIONING
the process describing the achievement of conscious control over autonomic processes (e.g., heart rate) through biofeedback training, meditation, yoga, or…
AUTOSHAPING
n. a method of shaping a behavior using rewards only elicited by responses. It is most commonly used with pigeons…