Neurology

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PETTING BEHAVIOR

carnal activity which might not progress to orgasm or might be foreplay participated in before orgasm. Petting behavior might consist

PHONOLOGICAL LOOP

an element of working memory or short-term memory which stores verbal data by rehearsal over brief intervals of time.

PILOT TESTING

the assessment of some factor of the research materials or procedure utilized in a pilot study.

DEFENSIVE ATTRIBUTION

The error or bias in attributing a cause to an event.

DEMENTIA

A generalised deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory and language due to a variety of causes. Should not be

DESENSITIZATION

A reduction in reactivity to stimuli. See covert desensitisation- in vivo desensitisation- systematic desensitisation.

DEVIATION IQ

The measure of how far a person difers from the mean by an IQ test.

DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF HIGH RATE (DRH)

Reinforcement that is dependent of a fast response to stimuli.

DISCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

Theory where a cause is given less weight if ther are other causes possible. Compare augmentation principle.

DISJUNCTIVE TASK

A task or project of a group that is completed when a single solution is adopted by the group. Compare

DIVERGENT PRODUCTION

Capacity to produce novel solutions to problems. Compare convergent production.

DOUBLE DISSOCIATION

Research process used to demonstrate the action of 2 separable psychological or biological systems such as the types of memory

DUAL-TASK PERFORMANCE

Looks at performing 2 tasks concurrently to examine the nature of processing limitations and strategies to cordinate performance. See dual

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY

A family showing impaired communication and relationships where members are unable to get close.

Ectopic Inn Ectopic Pregnancy

Pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus and usually in the fallopian tubes.

EGO PSYCHOLOGY

Psychoanalysis. The approach that emphasises functions in the ego in controlling impulses and dealing with the external environment.

ELECTRONIC BRAINSTORMING

The online discussions used to generate ideas and to solve problems.

EMOTION

The complex reaction pattern that involves experiential, behavioural and physiological elements.

EMPIRICALLY DERIVED TEST

A test developed using the content, criteria and validating procedures.

ENDOGENOUS OSCILLATOR

A neural circuit generating regular and repeated sequences of neural activity. See circadian oscillator.