Neurology

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PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS

aspects regarding the acts of a living organism and its parts in addition to the physical and chemical procedures engaged

PLATONIC IDEALISM

a general philosophical viewpoint stemming both directly and indirectly from the writings of Plato, which postulate that the phenomena of

DECOMPENSATION

The breakdown of our defense mechanisms that result in a worsening of psychiatric symptoms.

DEJA PENSE

The feeling where you have had the same thoughts before even you haven't.

DEPOLARIZATION

A reduction in the potential of a cell, usually a neuron. See action potential. Compare hyperpolarisation.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVELS

The stages of gthe human life span from neonatal to adulthood.

DICHOTIC LISTENING

Listening to a message in one ear and ignoring the different mesaage in the other ear.

DIRECT PERCEPTION

A theory that we can perceive an object on distal stimulus alone. See ecological perception. Compare constructivism.

DISCRIMINATION

1. Ability to distinguish between stimuli or objects that are different from one another. 2. Ability to respond in different

DISTAL EFFECT

The influence a response from an organism has on the environment.

DOMAIN-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

The specialised knowledge of a specific topic.

DRIVE-REDUCTION THEORY

A theory of learning where the goal of motivated behaviour is to reduce the drive state. Compare drive induction theory.

DYNAMIC FORMULATION

The attempt to organise a clients information so the therapist can better treat and understand the client.

ECHOLALIA

The mechanical repitition of words and phrases spoken by another person.

EFFORT AFTER MEANING

A persistent effort to put unfamiliar ideas into more familiar terms.

EGO-DEFENSIVE FUNCTION OF AN ATTITUDE

The role that an attitude plays in maintaining and enhancing our self esteem.

EMASCULATION

The castration or reduction of masculinity.

EMPATHY

Understanding a person from their frame of reference so we know where they are coming them.

ENCEPHALIZATION

Transfer of cognitive functions from more primitive brain areas to cerebral centres during evolution. See evolution of the brain.

ENGRAM

The hypothetical trace of a memory stored in the brain. Also called mnemonic trace.