Neurology

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PRINCIPLE OF CONSTANCY

Psychoanalytically, a theory that states that all mental processes have a tendency toward equilibrium and stability. This is also referred

PROCEDURE

1. A logical sequence of actions leading to a goal. 2. The set way a study is to be structured

PROMPTING

A term used in psychotherapy, prompting is using suggestion or hints by the therapist to encourage discussion by the client

PRUNING

The loss of neurons and their connections that are either unnecessary or not used. This effect is seen most particularly

PSYCHOCHEMISTRY

The science that examines the relationship between chemicals, behavior and psychological processes. It is the study of chemical influence on

PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST

A test designed to measure attributes useful to psychologists. These data points include scores for mechanical aptitude, abstract thinking, reasoning

PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESSOR

A major life influencing event that leads to intense stress so profound that it can contribute to the development or

QUASI NEED

Based in social psychology, a quasi-need is a need based on intent or purpose and not on a deficit of

RATING SCALE

A scale used to assign scores to subjects or objects in a test.

READINESS TEST

A testing technique with the intent of predicting how well an individual is prepared to benefit from instruction in a

RECEPTIVE VOCABULARY

A person's vocabulary defined by words he or she can understand, identify and process. It may be more extensive than

RECURRENT DEPRESSION

An extreme depressive malady in which two or more major bouts of depression have occurred.

REFRAMING

Developing a new conceptual or emotional outlook relating to situations experienced, and putting it into another frame which follows the

RELEASE THEORY OF HUMOR

A theory positing that individuals can laugh to release built-up psychic energy.

REPLICATION

One of the main tenets of the scientific method; repeating an experiment to ensure that the results can be attained

RESPONSE

Any clearly defined, measurable physical reaction to a stimulus.

RETENTION

Endurance of behaviors which have been learned or acquired when the behavior is not being utilized; signified by being able

REVERSIBILITY

Possibly being expressed in terms of negation or compensation, a mental process which allows the reversal of a chain of

ROLE DIFFERENTIATION

In communities or various other social models, the steady rise in the quantity of tasks and decline in the range

SACCULAR IIIN SACRAL DIVISION

Nerves associated with the parasympathetic nervous system which begin at the spinal cord in the lower back (sacral) area. Compare